Our kids and their families had a blast "putting out fires" at our Caring Connections Party at the firehouse in New Windsor, Maryland, Kids got to check out the fire trucks, play with the hoses, meet firefighters and just have a blast! They even had lunch in the firehouse cafeteria. 

One of the Casey Cares kids who was there was Taylor, who has been participating in a variety of our programs for 3 1/2 years. In that time, she has made many memories through Casey Cares, whether it was playing laser tag, going to movies, checking out Sagamore Farms or having a campout at Ripken Stadium. For Taylor, however, this firehouse outing was extra special, not only because she is a fan of the TV show, "Chicago Fire," but also because this was her final event with Casey Cares. Taylor is 17 and ages out of Casey Cares at 18. 

Although she faced tremendous challenges in her fight against leukemia, Casey Cares was able to bring some much-needed joy into her life. As Taylor told The Baltimore Sun, Casey Cares "just knew how to put a smile on my face." 

The kids at the party weren't the only ones smiling. The New Windsor Volunteer Fire Company worked with their own volunteers, other fire departments, as well as Maryland State Police, the New Windsor Lions Club and Mayor Neal Loop, to make this event fun for everyone. 

"My favorite part of having kids here is their faces when they see the firetruck," firefighter Dale Lowman told The Sun. 

This year marked the second time the fire company hosted Casey Cares families for a firehouse event. 

"We are so glad that we could come back to New Windsor and our children and their families could have such a fun day getting an up-close look at life in a real firehouse," said Erin Ritter, Casey Cares' deputy associate director. "These types of activities allow our children and their families a few hours to escape their normal routine of doctors' visits and hospital treatment. This is what Casey Cares is all about and these types of activities are only possible because of generous gifts from donors and partners like the New Windsor Volunteer Fire Company." 

Find out how your company or organization can sponsor an amazing experience like this one. Our Caring Connections Program encourages families to meet, share and lean on each other while taking part in fun group activities. 

Call Erin at 443-568-0064 to learn more.