Through a generous donation, a Casey Cares family gets to explore the National Aquarium every day of the year.

According to the National Aquarium’s website, the facility is one of the nation's top three aquariums. The aquarium has more than 20,000 fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and marine mammals living in their award-winning habitats and Casey Cares families are able to take the day and study each and every one.

Eight-year-old Mackenzie has a rare bone marrow failure syndrome that requires her to receive lifesaving blood transfusions. 

“Lately, she’s been receiving transfusions every two and a half weeks,” Mackenzie’s mom Tina wrote in an email. “Mac wants to be well like other children and hates missing school to receive blood.  Going to the aquarium was such a treat for our family. Mackenzie had a wonderful time at the aquarium.  She especially liked seeing the sea turtle and dolphin show.”

For other families, Shark Alley is a hit. Seven-year-old Ryan, who is living with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and his sister Brooklyn said the sharks were their favorite part.

Three-year-old Jayden got to take a break from doctors’ visits to delve into exhibits like Jellies Invasion.

“It was an amazing trip and experience,” Jayden’s mom Brooklyn wrote in an email.

Aquarium trips are a great way to include the whole family.

“This was a special trip for my five-year-old,” mom Amber wrote in an email. “She tends to feel left out because her big brother gets so much attention with doctor appointments and fighting cancer. Thank you for giving her a special trip.  Her favorite part is the dolphins and we spent an hour just watching them swim and play.  She had a blast!”