Nonprofit helps kids with life-threatening conditions and their families find hope, happiness and healing through Adventures.
Kids with life-threatening conditions and their families face hard days — ongoing doctor appointments, therapies, surgeries, hospital visits, bills and the emotional toll of complex medical needs.
For these families, moments of joy and experiences that allow the whole family to feel “like a kid again” become incredibly important, and connecting with other families experiencing similar medical journeys is helpful.
That’s where A Kid Again comes in. The nonprofit serves nearly 13,000 families across the U.S., helping them have carefree fun and create meaningful moments through group activities called Adventures.
A Kid Again is thrilled to be expanding its programming into L.A. and throughout California, bringing fun-filled Adventures to families and kids facing challenging medical conditions and helping them build connections and community with other families going through similar medical journeys.
Whether it’s a day at the amusement park, museum, zoo or a sporting event, there’s always something to look forward to. Adventures are ongoing throughout the year, 100% planned and cost-free — relieving the burden for families. And A Kid Again is the only childhood-disease nonprofit that focuses on supporting whole families, including parents, siblings and caregivers.
A Kid Again serves families like that of 10-year-old Mariah Jade Gaytan, her parents and two older siblings, Joaquin (17) and Delilah (13). Mariah Jade was diagnosed with two rare genetic disorders, MCADD and Koolen-de Vries syndrome, and experiences epileptic seizures, nonverbal autism and hypotonia. The family lives in Pacoima and has been part of A Kid Again’s supportive community for nearly two years. We asked Jade’s parents, Carlos and Marissa, to share some thoughts on their daughter, and the role A Kid Again has played in their family’s life.
Tell us about Mariah Jade and her positive outlook on life.
Despite everything Mariah Jade has gone through medically, she loves life and always has a smile on her face. While Mariah Jade is nonverbal, she communicates in her own special way. Our family is incredibly close — we adore Mariah Jade, and everyone has come together to care for her.
Describe how A Kid Again has impacted your family.
When we first got involved with A Kid Again, we participated in Adventures-In-A-Box, which are designed for families that are not near an adventure venue and for kids who are unable to take part in in-person Adventures. These special activity kits, delivered to your doorstep, gave us everything we needed to make memories at home or at the hospital. When A Kid Again began offering in-person Adventures in California, our family quickly joined to participate in local activities.
Which A Kid Again Adventures are your favorite?
Our special needs daughter enjoyed a wonderful day exploring and learning at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Mariah Jade loved the whole experience, especially the dinosaurs. After everything she has been through, we’re glad to see her have some fun. We look forward to joining future Adventures!
Enroll Now: Upcoming A Kid Again California Adventures
Families of kids with life-threatening conditions are invited to enroll now to take advantage of A Kid Again’s upcoming free events this summer and fall throughout the Golden State. Visit www.akidagain.org to enroll and find more information about these events.
Rides & Slides Adventure at California’s Great America
Santa Clara, CA
August 3, 2023
Rides & Slides Adventure at Knott’s Berry Farm
Buena Park, CA
August 7, 2023
Monterey Bay Aquarium Adventure
Monterey, CA
October 8, 2023
In the US, 1.5 million children suffer from life-threatening and life-altering conditions like pediatric cancer, Cerebral Palsy, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, heart conditions, brain tumors and other serious health issues. A Kid Again has the goal of reaching every one of these youth and their families — and delivering much-needed hope, happiness, and healing. Now is the time to give illness a time out. Visit akidagain.org to learn more.
