“We Weren’t Alone Anymore: How Deliver the Dream Changed Our Family’s Journey”

By Lucinda Roth

I’m a mom of three amazing, high-energy boys: an 8-year-old with ADD, a 7-year-old developmentally delayed autistic son with ADHD, and a bright, curious 4-year-old.

After leaving a career that involved a lot of travel and partnership development, I relocated to Florida to become a full-time caregiver for my son with special needs.

It’s been deeply rewarding but also isolating. I’ve found myself far from my family, former colleagues, and my support network in California, often navigating environments that aren’t inclusive or understanding. I’ve also had to adapt to less travel and fewer social interactions. Finding community and acceptance, especially for my autistic son, has been one of the biggest challenges, but Deliver the Dream has shown us that it’s possible.

My youngest had struggled to connect with other kids, even his brother, so our autism specialist recommended Deliver the Dream’s Hope at home program, and it made all the difference. We’ve participated almost every time it’s been offered since COVID. In 2024, we were honored to be part of the 200th retreat.

We connected with Malina, Lillian, and Eva, and honestly, we felt seen and supported by almost everyone at the retreat. We learned so much, from navigating school concerns and daily routines to finding a better balance in our lives.

Through Hope at home, we felt something we hadn’t in a long time: we weren’t alone. Seeing other families facing similar challenges and still experiencing joy was powerful. When we attended the retreat, I was overwhelmed in the best way. The genuine care from the volunteers, staff, and other families was incredible. For the first time in eight years, I was able to truly relax. Knowing that Logan was safe and cared for without me by his side was something I never thought possible. It’s hard to find spaces that truly get it, but Deliver the Dream does. They make activities accessible, safe, and full of people who understand.

Deliver the Dream helped bring our family closer together. My boys play together more often, and we’ve found new ways to connect through superhero nights, inspired by the retreat. Thanks to this amazing organization, we now carry lasting memories and an even stronger bond.