Cedar Point helps critically ill children become kids again

Park to host A Kid Again, Columbus-based organization that provides fun and adventures to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Tuesday, 04 August 2009

Cedar Point Press Release

SANDUSKY, Ohio – Cedar Point will welcome some very special guests on Thursday, Aug. 6 when A Kid Again, a Columbus-based organization that provides fun and adventures to children with life-threatening illnesses, will visit the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park/resort.

A Kid Again has been in existence for more than 14 years.  It was originally founded as Adventures for Wish Kids in 1995. Its mission is to provide fun-filled group activities for critically-ill children and their family and friends.

During their day at the park, participants will be able to enjoy the park’s vast assortment of rides, roller coasters, live shows and special attractions.  A picnic lunch is also part of the day’s planned activities.

Jeffery Damron, spokesperson for A Kid Again, explained why the name was changed earlier this year.  “We asked parents what the organization has done for them.  They told us that the illnesses and chemo turned the children into adults overnight.  They needed to become kids again.”

The organization classifies these activities and outings as “adventures.”  Since 1995, the number of adventures has grown from two to 47 last year.  In 2008, more than 19,000 people participated in these events.  To qualify for the program, the child must be under 20 years old and be diagnosed with a life-threatening illness by a physician. The program currently serves hospitals in Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Akron.

For more information about A Kid Again, visit www.akidagain.org. For additional information about Cedar Point, please log on to cedarpoint.com or call the park’s general information line at 419.627.2350.