Exceptional Care for Children (ECC), Delaware’s first and only residential, pediatric skilled nursing facility, is excited to announce that the organization is in the final steps of planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Walt Disney World in February 2019 for nine of its inspiring pediatric residents.
This magical trip, the fourth of its kind for the organization, has been in the works since March of 2018 as mobilizing a Delaware pediatric nursing home to the State of Florida for a week is no easy task. The trip will involve nine extremely deserving and inspiring children who have been medically cleared to participate. A team of thirty staff members including nurses, nursing aides, a physician, recreational and therapy staffs will be joining the children as required in order to provide around-the-clock care for the children during their trip.
For many of these children, this trip is the single most important adventure of their lives. After having made similar trips in 2011, 2013 and 2015, the staff at Exceptional Care for Children knows just how incredible this experience can be for these children, many of whom have never lived outside of a healthcare facility. “It is our goal to give these children a life full of experiences, wonder and hope. This trip allows us to live up to our goals for these children”, says Nursing Home Administrator, Annette V. Moore.
In addition to extensive logistical planning, a trip of this nature also requires substantial fundraising. This week-long vacation is expected to cost approximately $100,000 and ECC still has around $5,000 left to fundraise before the children and their caretakers embark for Florida on February 24th, 2019.
Thanks to the steadfast dedication and financial support of community businesses, supporters and friends who saw the extraordinary impact on the past Magical Journey trips had on the residents and staff, the organization has been able to raise nearly $95,000, mostly through small donations, fundraising events and from local schools, businesses and youth groups.