Aquatic Adventures: Kids In Treatment Swim With Dolphins
KEY BISCAYNE (CBS4) - For any child, a chance to play and interact with a dolphin is the thrill of a lifetime.
But for David, 4, and Alejandra, 13, it is also a nice break from their everyday struggles.
Both of these children are undergoing aggressive treatment at the Children's Cancer Caring Center.
"Treating a kid with cancer is indescribable to watch the stress and the strain and the tortures that these children and families go through," said CCCC Founder Lee Klein.
Klein says they are the last resort for South Florida families who do no have the means to pay for life saving cancer care for their child.
David was diagnosed a year ago with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. Since then, he's been fighting for his life.
Alejandra is going through treatment for leukemia.
But thanks in part to the CCCC, the kids are stepping away from their medicines and were treated to an afternoon with "Echo" the dolphin at the Miami Seaquarium.
"I think when they get a good experience and good interaction it really changes their day," said Miami Seaquarium trainer Elizabeth Beazley. "They might be having a bad day before they come in but they are just so excited to meet and touch the dolphin."
In the 46 years of this children's cancer caring center lee says she has never seen so many cancer patients and such sky rocketing costs. Now, more than ever before, the charity is in desperate need of funds.
"We try so many things to take them away from the stress of going to the clinic and the doctor, the injections, and it was an amazing experience for them," said Klein. "I just pray that we'll get the support that we need now and keep our doors open"
CLICK HERE to find out how to donate to the Children's Cancer Caring Center.
