Children with life threatening illnesses enjoy day at Kings Island

Becky Fusco her son, Bobby, and husband Jeff, ride the log ride on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at Kings Island in Mason. The Columbus family came to park as part of A Kid Again day, where sick children and their families were provided free admittance to the park. Bobby has MPPH Syndrome. Staff photo by Apryl Pilolli

A Becky Fusco her son, Bobby, and husband Jeff, ride the log ride on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at Kings Island in Mason. The Columbus family came to park as part of A Kid Again day, where sick children and their families were provided free admittance to the park. Bobby has MPPH Syndrome. Staff photo by Apryl Pilolli

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By Justin McClelland, Staff Writer 1:56 PM Wednesday, July 7, 2010

MASON —Concerned about her son’s safety, Becky Fusco researched each ride at Kings Island before her family attended the amusement park.

Bobby Fusco, 5, has MPPH Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes seizures, mental retardation, and confines him to a wheelchair.

But, as Fusco and her husband, Jeff, entered the park on Wednesday, July 7, they threw caution to the wind and boarded the water log flume ride, carrying their son. A few minutes later, they emerged, dripping with water and all smiles.

“It was terrific,” Fusco said.

The Fuscos were invited to Kings Island at no cost as part of A Kid Again day at the park.

A Kid Again is a non-profit organization that helps children with life threatening illnesses and their families by providing group oriented “adventure” activities, like outings to sports games, parties, and the annual trip to Kings Island at no cost to the family.

“Events like this get us out of the house,” Becky Fusco said. “Seeing other wheelchairs and walkers is awesome.”

The organization helps more than 1,500 sick children state-wide. More than 4,000 children and their families were expected at Kings Island Wednesday. It was the fifteenth annual partnership between A Kid Again and Kings Island.

“This day is a sign of hope for kids,” said Hap Durkin, executive director of the Cincinnati chapter of A Kid Again. “Coming to Kings Island allows them and their families to escape the challenges they have to deal with every day. And for many families, because of all the medical costs, it’s the only vacation they can have.”

Gretchen Braun, 10, of Dayton, has an undefined neuro-muscular disease that leaves her in a wheelchair and unable to speak. But, her parents, Chris and Kim Braun, said they could feel the joy and excitement she got from the riding the “fast rides” like the spinning Surf Dog and the Viking Ship.

“There are no hard stares today,” Chris Braun said. “Everyone understands and we can share stories.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.

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