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aids” can be viewed in an aquarium-like setting in the Spring of the Weeki Wachee River. For 77 years, live mermaids have been delighting audiences. Back in 1961, even Elvis Presley came to visit and pose with the Mermaids when filming Follow That Dream in Florida. “The history is fascinating and it was a dream come true to visit the Weeki Wachee Mermaids,” said Jill. The mermaid-themed Weeki Wachee Springs State Park offers other fun attractions as well, including river boat cruises, and swimming and water-related activities at Buccaneer Bay. “Wildlife abounds in this beautiful natural habitat — and if you’re lucky, you might even see a Manatee!  There’s a cute gift shop and a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat too,” said Debra.

Girl from the Grotto wants to offer to one family per year the opportunity to visit this magical site with all expenses paid, as part of the organization’s “Mermaids on the Map.” We know there are many children (and parents!) who love all things Mermaids and Mermen. It is best to travel to the area during the early summer months. Any child 5-16 years old, who has a medical illness that has required hospitalization or has a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition is eligible. A letter of permission from the child’s healthcare provider is required. An entry form will be available here in May 2024.

because of hospitalization, treatment or long-term rehabilitation.

Each year, the organization hosts an awards ceremony recognizing two people who make a contribution to medicine for the care, research and overall benefit of medically ill children and their families. The awards are given to people who we consider to go “above and beyond.” This year’s recipients were Dr. Bernie Siegel and Carolyn McGaha. The awards ceremony was held at the JCC in Woodbridge, CT on July 12, 2021. The awards were presented by Jill Walker (Founder and President), Chloe Walker (Vice-President) and Debra Kopczynski (Treasurer/Secretary) along with Board Members Michael Banten, Marguerite Mains and Eileen Riccardi. Board Members unable to be present include Dawn Stegelmann and Kathleen Featherston.

The award/trophy is a teardrop design symbolizing that “Every Drop in the Ocean Matters.” Mother Theresa said, “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” The trophies were designed by Mark Rosenbaum, owner and founder of the award-winning Rosetree Blown Glass Studio and Gallery in New Orleans, LA.
The first award was presented to Dr. Bernie Siegel for his tireless and on-going contributions to individuals impacted by cancer. “Bernie,” as he likes to be called, is an American writer and retired surgeon who writes on the relationship between the patient and the healing process. He is known for his best-selling book Love, Medicine and Miracles. The award was given for Bernie’s “enthusiasm” for life and for his on-going work in the cancer community. Upon giving the award, Treasurer Debra Kopczynski noted, “Enthusiasm is an infectious disease that won’t kill us and we should spread it”.

The second award was presented to Carolyn McGaha, mother of Jason McGaha who until his death at the age of 22 was the longest survivor of Pyruvate Carboxylase Deficiency. Carolyn and her family allowed Yale New Haven Hospital to have Jason’s body for a month to advance the research on this rare, genetic metabolic disorder. Girl from the Grotto honored Carolyn for thinking about children and their future and giving hope to other parents. Carolyn’s son Jason called himself “the miracle problem” because he said, “Mommy was always trying to figure me out,” like a math problem! As an infant and in the years that followed, Carolyn’s motivation, determination and drive to help her son did not go unnoticed. Carolyn shared video of her and her son Jason and the cherished moments of sharing love and laughter together. Carolyn also expressed the important role Child Life Specialists have in the lives of medically ill children.

The trophy was custom-created in “yellow,” Jason’s favorite color. For more information, see NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders) or Survivor of Pyruvate Carboxylase Deficiency Support Group/Facebook.