Laura and Alex's Story - Jacksonville

Kristen and Robert of Jacksonville have four wonderful children – 15-year-old Zach, 12-year-old Taylor, 10-year-old Laura and 9-year-old Alex. Laura and Alex both have the most severe type of Spina Bifida called Myelomeningocele  — a birth defect in which the spine is open at birth, and doesn’t protect the spinal cord. Laura’s diagnosis is degenerative and therefore terminal, while Alex’s condition is life-threatening. The family began regularly participating in Great Escapes family activities in 2007.

“Great Escapes have allowed us to do things as a family that we wouldn’t normally have had the opportunity to enjoy, and give the six of us a chance to book time together,” explains Kristen. “The variety of experiences Starlight offers through Great Escapes really do provide a life-enriching opportunity for all of our kids because they feel like they belong and are able to try new things.

“Our favorite event so far has been the Superbowl bowling Great Escape. Since there are six years separating our oldest from our youngest, it’s sometimes hard to find activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. But bowling was perfect — we all had a blast!

“What I love about Great Escapes, other than the family time we share, is that they’ve helped our older children see Laura and Alex’s abilities more than their disabilities. From cooking classes to bowling to a barnyard bash,  Zach and Taylor have really gotten a chance to see the vast amount of things that Laura and Alex are able to do, rather than focus on what they can’t do.

“Everyone in our family will continue to look forward to Great Escapes and the next adventure we’ll get to enjoy. It may seem like such a simple thing, but to see a smile spread across the face of a sick child, or a giggle escape from deep within, means the world to a parent or a caregiver.”

- Kristen, Starlight mom