Camp No Limits & Winter the Dolphin

The weekend before Thanksgiving, we enjoyed a three day trip to Tampa for the annual No Limits Foundation, Inc. Camp No Limits.  Steve, my boyfriend, and I took Toby alone while Grayson spent the weekend with Daddy.  When we arrived, we were welcomed at the check in, received our camp shirts, and started some crafts. 

 

Mommy slept with Toby in a bunk bed with other families with small children.  It was quite an experience.  We slept in a cabin with 20 other moms and kids.  We met many wonderful families that had children who were either born with a limb deficiency or underwent an amputation from an accident or illness.  There were over 50 kids and adults with limb loss along with their parents.  Over 100 people at the Florida camp was a huge success over the 40 from 3 years ago when we first went just week's after Toby's amputation. 

 

Our first full day, we took two large buses to the Clearwater Marine Museum where Winter the Dolphin lives.  The staff performed a show for our group with another dolphin and Winter.  They explained to us all about Winter and her challenges.  It was shocking to learn that Winter only wears her prosthetic tale one hour a day for physical therapy.  Her trainers are tyring to keep her from getting worse.  Correcting her current spinal curvature is not an option.

 

We also had the pleasure of meeting the gentlemen from Hanger Prosthetics that designed and created Winter's tails.  We spent the whole day at the museum. It was very moving.  I really wanted Toby to have the opportunity to touch her.  The trainers no longer allow anyone to touch Winter.  The only reason we concluded was that it is because her health is compromised and they want to keep her healthy.  Toby came home with a giant dolphin stuffed animal named Winter that doesn't have a tale. Thank you Steve for the daily reminder of a inspirational model for Toby.

After the day the Museum , we went to the beach.  It was freezing cold.  That didn't stop Toby.  He stripped down to his underwear and went splashing in the water, running and playing with friends, and collecting shells.

There were four Tallahassee area families there.  The Silvey family, who helped us through our most difficult decision making process years ago, was there with daughter Erica - who is now 10 years old.  Toby was attached to her most of the trip.  She has Fibular Hemimelia as well and her severity is most similar to Toby's.

On the second full day of the camp, we all did physical therapy, running camp, support groups, bike class, and a little rest.  On the last night there was a talent show and dance party.  Even though Toby did not participate in the talent show, he did receive his certification for completion of the camp.  He also spent at least an hour dancing like a wild man at the dance party with me. 

It was hard to leave on that Sunday.  We met so many wonderful positive and inspiring children just like Toby.  Parents that go through the same difficulties were there to encourage others and provide support.  It was great to have the reminder that we are not alone and there are other families that have the same challenges we do.  It was great to laugh together, cry together, and grow together to be a stronger family:) 

A memorable experience we will never forget!  Thank you to all of you who provided a donation and helped our Toby strengthen himself emotionally, spiritually, and physically!
Love, Kaley