CCF was proud to support the 9th Annual Shirley’s Kids Respite Weekend on September 21-22, 2024. The program is named in honor of CCF’s founder, Shirley Howard. Four families from The Children’s Inn at NIH took part in the retreat weekend. These families, like the many other families staying at the Inn, are spending extended time there, a “home away from home,” while one of their children is treated for his/her cancer or other rare diseases at the National Institutes of Health. Ivania Flores and others from The Children’s Inn accompanied the families for the weekend –a special outing providing the opportunity for several Inn families to focus on enjoying the local community as a break from the numerous visits to NIH.
The weekend was spent in Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor, two fun and nearby destinations. Saturday morning the families arrived at Giant Food (Store #132, 10400 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda) where CCF Board member Steve Coomes and CCF President Tasha Museles helped distribute Giant Food backpacks filled with fruit, drinks, and snacks to begin their weekend. CCF extends thanks to Store Manager Mike Brusoe and Assistant Store Managers David Axelrod and Matt Koraganie for their help and for contributing delicious snacks to the group.
After visiting Giant, the families arrived in Old Town Alexandria and checked in at Hotel Indigo. Despite some flooding, it didn’t dampen their spirits as they enjoyed the weather and explored the waterfront. Families enjoyed lunch at O’Connell’s and then strolled over to Founders Park for games and watching planes land overhead. Next, they went for ice cream before taking a water taxi to the National Harbor for some shopping at the Tanger Outlets. Shopping was followed by dinner and taking the water taxi back to Old Town Alexandria, soaking in the late-night city vibes. On Sunday morning, they enjoyed a delicious breakfast and the families eagerly spent the rest of the day exploring Old Town Alexandria, visiting a museum, and browsing the local shops.
CCF is proud of this enduring partnership with The Children’s Inn and grateful to provide a weekend of enjoyment for families that are facing unimaginable challenges.
A huge thank you to Giant Food and Terry McGowan and Board member Steve Coomes for welcoming the families at their first stop.
