“A Lifeline When We Needed It Most”

By Kim Cannon

My name is Kim, and I care for my stepson David, who was born with Down Syndrome and recently turned 40. David has undergone many surgeries and faces challenges with communication, but what he lacks in words, he more than makes up for with his smile, hugs, and joy.

After losing his mom in 2016 and his dad, my husband, in 2020, David and I were suddenly navigating life and grief together. That’s when we discovered Deliver the Dream, thanks to a recommendation from the Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization. From the moment we arrived at our first retreat, we were blown away by the care, fun, and deep sense of community. David caught the first fish of the weekend, danced by the campfire, and paddled through nature in a giant canoe — experiences we now try to recreate in our daily life. I found something too: connection, support, and new lifelong friends.

Beyond the retreats, Deliver the Dream offers incredible Family Fun Days, and HOPE at home Zoom sessions that kept us connected even through COVID. Each event is filled with joy, creativity, and kindness that turn ordinary days into something extraordinary.

For us, Deliver the Dream has been more than a program. It’s been a lifeline. It’s a place where we feel seen, supported, and celebrated. We’re forever grateful to the team and the generous sponsors who make these unforgettable moments possible.