Few children are faced with life’s obstacles from the moment of their birth. But for Andre and Henri, who were born nine years ago in different families, but with similar medical problems, learning to overcome adversity was a task thrust upon them from the very start. But both would find new hope in an adoptive mother, drawing from her own boundless reservoir of strength.
Henri was born with cerebral palsy and fetal alcohol syndrome, suffering seizures in his tiny body from his first breath. He was the third child of a woman who had her first born at the age of 12. Andre was born with a milder form of cerebral palsy, as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. He was also a drug baby, burdened with the sins of his mother.
Dreama Melton would first take both boys into her home as foster children; Andre when he was just five days old, Henri when he was two months. Her own children were growing up — one having already left their Oviedo home and three others soon to follow — and her husband had died, so Melton welcomed Andre and Henri with open arms, and a vast heart.
“I saw an article in the newspaper about the need for foster parents. My kids were getting older and I thought it was something I would enjoy,” she said.
“I have a special place in my heart for special-needs kids.” And so, at the conclusion of the threeday New Hope for Kids summer camp, Melton joins Henri and Andre, along with about 35 other children and their families, for a day of celebration. It is Family Day, when everyone is invited for a huge party at Christmas Airstream Park in east Orange County.
New Hope for Kids provides support to children and families in Central Florida who are grieving the death of a loved one and grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Every month they host a gettogether for these families, and Saturday’s event was one of great expectation. This was the 20th annual New Hope for Kids summer camp, with Christmas Airstream Park, once again, donating the use of its facilities.
There was live music, food and a tour of a fire truck from Orange County Fire Rescue. The children also presented to their families the crafts they had worked on during camp. The kids, and almost an equal number of volunteers from New Hope and students from nearby Eckerd’s Academy, painted U.S. flags and plaques highlighting the words Peace, Dream and Believe.
The morning sessions also saw the children gluing seashells to picture frames, which would be presented to their dads on Father’s Day with pictures taken at the party. In the afternoons they cooled off in the pool, including those children normally wheelchair-bound. Rosie Wilder, wish program director, was busy going from table to table making sure that everyone was having a good time, which is the most important — and rewarding — part of her job description.
“I’m like a fairy godmother. I get to grant wishes,” she said. For Henri, that meant a wooden playground built in his backyard. (“He’s an outside child and climbs all the time,” said his mom.) For Andre, it was a four-day Disney cruise with his family and all the Disney characters.
(“Disney went totally out of their way for the special-needs kids,” she added.) Wilder, who has been with New Hope for Kids since 1996, not only wants to help children have fun, but she also strives to have them feel like they belong. “Children in grief and children with serious illnesses, and their families, often become isolated.
There is no money, they’re different and they’re not always welcome,” she said. “The families find it difficult to get out so we provide monthly activities.” Melton, whose children have attended the summer camp for the past three years, appreciates the opportunity for supervised playtime — for both her children and herself.
“The kids really enjoy all the activities and they look forward to it. They like being with other children who are like them,” she said. “Plus, it’s a time for me. Because they have volunteers, I can sit back and relax.” Every third Thursday of the month Melton attends a New Hope for Kids moms-only support group, where participants learn about available resources or just vent their frustrations.
Alejandro, who was born six years ago with Down syndrome, is painting a bumble bee. His sister, Gianna, 7, joins him with brush in hand as their parents watch. “Alejandro loves the painting and being in the pool,” said his mom, Lizette Morales of Valencia Woods. Although this is their first summer camp, the family regularly attends the monthly activities, sharing a meal at Thanksgiving and presents at Christmas.
They also recently went on a Disney cruise, another wish come true. Morales is trying to get Alejandro, who now attends kindergarten at Little River Elementary, into a regular classroom. New Hope for Kids wrote a letter to school officials on their behalf, just one another example of the organization’s impact on their lives. “They have been so supportive,” she said.
