We traveled to Alabama for the 9th annual Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA) retreat. There were over 200 people there representing the families of children with Hemiplegia - just like Babyhawk. We were one of the younger families there, but we learned a lot and met so many amazing people. We have a fight ahead of us - which was evident from the older kids and their families - but we have a great support system in our family - which includes CHASA - to get there.... I'm ready to go back next year!!
Our family photo:
Babyhawk and I took a break from setting up for a cute photo:
The evening before the retreat started we had many things to do as a board member. Babyhawk made quick friends and cuddled up when it got too late:
Ready to go to the pool!:
The pool was fabulous!:
Babyhawk and her "girls." She loved these two so much! The mom of S - in the green shirt - serves on the CHASA board with me and L - in the pink - is from Singapore!:
Our group by age. We visited with these parents for about an hour and learned so much. It was also nice to see folks with the same questions we have on a daily basis about treatment and care:
More pool time!:
Too much fun! We missed the final night karaoke party b/c she just couldn't keep those eyes open!:
The ice cream social. There were clowns - which she steered clear of!:
She loved the fountains at the park right next to the hotel:
She was a little reserved at first:
But got into it before long! Papahawk had to carry her like a baby all the way back to the hotel she was so tired:
The girls doing some coloring:
This toy was a big hit with all the kiddos:
A final fairwell to S!:
There is so much to say about this experience, but I won't bore you here. I think Papahawk learned a ton, discovered some new and alternative therapies he is taking the lead on and found a new passion for CHASA - which is so great! I had mixed emotions, but have to say that joy, acceptance and a sense of community were some of the strongest.
We will be going back next year!!
