14-year-old Errica Ayala, who suffers from a chromosome disorder and epilepsy, joined Lower Southampton campers for a day of summer fun
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Pumpkins picked at Shady Brook Farm this fall (probably) won’t transform into an elaborate carriage. Nor will a personal fairy godmother “poof” out of thin air to help us find our soulmate before the stroke of midnight. Still, even in the midst of everyday normalcy, a touch of magic can be discovered. And for those who believe, dreams do come true.
On Thursday, Aug. 23, four children who are living examples of this sentiment gathered for an afternoon of watertime fun at Dolphin Swim Club, located at 260 W. Bristol Road in Feasterville. Beginning at noon, 14-year-old Errica Ayala of Bristol, and 9-year-old Liaranna Rios, 11-year-old Aidalys Navarro and 4-year-old Rakim Phillips of Philadelphia joined participants of the Lower Southampton Township summer camp program for an end-of-season pool party and barbecue celebration.
The four were special guests invited by Matt Gilbert, parks and recreation director, who each year welcomes a handful of “Dreamers,” or children who were granted wishes through the Sunshine Foundation.
Founded in 1976 by Philadelphia police officer Bill Sample, the Feasterville-based organization has granted more than 40,000 dreams to chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children, ages 3–18, whose families are unable to fulfill their requests due to the financial strain the child’s illness may cause.
Naturally, each “Dreamer” at the pool party wished for a trip to the most magical place on earth — Disney World. Though some, including Ayala who suffers from a chromosome disorder and epilepsy, enjoyed their vacation several years ago, their families remain highly involved in Sunshine Foundation activities.
According to Ayala’s mother Carrie, their entire family ventured to Orlando in 2016 for several days of fun and relaxation. The trip was all expenses paid, and the Ayalas were able to stay in the special, handicap-accessible Dream Village. Today, the Ayalas regularly participate in fundraising initiatives with Sunshine Foundation, and always jump at the chance to revisit Dolphin Swim Club each summer.
“She loves the pool,” Carrie said of her daughter, who could be spotted splashing happily in the water. “We can’t get her out of it.”
For Carrie, seeing Ayala’s dream fulfilled has been a touching, full circle experience. Almost 20 years ago, Carrie’s father contacted Sunshine Foundation to nominate his other daughter, who was born with the same condition as Ayala. Though the wish was granted, her father passed away beforehand, never getting the chance to take that once-in-a-lifetime adventure with his family. So when Ayala was old enough, Carrie knew she had to reach out to Sunshine Foundation not just for her daughter, but also her father.
Like Ayala, Rios, who has cerebral palsy, and Navarro, who has Down syndrome, already went on their trips to Disney World and made memories that will last a lifetime. Phillips, the youngest of the group who suffers from spastic cerebral palsy, along with his mother Kim and sister Brianna, will pack his bags in April 2019 for his first-ever airplane ride and Disney visit.
“He loves Mickey Mouse,” said Kim. “It’s a dream come true to go to Disney because I probably wouldn’t be able to do it on my own.”
Throughout the perfectly-tempered, sunny afternoon, the “Dreamers” and their loved ones alternated between Dolphin Swim Club’s multiple pools, played under the larger-than-life dolphin sprinkler, joined the campers in games and activities, and munched on a complimentary barbecue lunch and ice cream.
“Sunshine Foundation is so grateful to Matt (Gilbert) for letting them join the Dolphin Swim Club,” said Jessica Greene, Sunshine Foundation development manager.
Lower Southampton Township Parks and Recreation is located at 1500 Desire Ave. in Feasterville. For more information, call 215–357–7300, ext. 340. Sunshine Foundation is located at 1041 Mill Creek Drive in Feasterville. For more information, visit sunshinefoundation.org or call 215–396–4770. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
