Thanks for Everything!

We would like to thank all the people who played a part in allowing our family to spend a quiet Thanksgiving here at the House By The Sea. When we arrived we were excited because for the past 9 months Nyera has been receiving chemo, radiation and also underwent a very risky surgery. So this vacation was a very well needed one for her as well as her family. Thanks to Mrs. B. for cooking the very nice Thanksgiving dinner and to Wayne for all of the gift cards to dinner, movies and etc. We got lots of REST!

Thanks for Everything!
Eric Sr., Nakia, Nyera & Eric Jr.

just thankful to be together

Friends at Believe In Tomorrow,

Our week here is coming to a close and we are so grateful to have had this time at the House By The Sea. Once again you’ve exceeded our expectations by miles. When we chose the Thanksgiving week, we intended to have some quiet time away from the demands of home, work and school while spending time together as a family – just thankful to be together.

So we arrived a little later than expected – after a warm and welcoming phone conversation with Wayne. What a wonderful surprise to find a basket full of goodies specially selected to amuse the kids – Sophie (3) and Zach (6) – and provide enough tickets and treats to keep us fed and occupied for the week. Believe In Tomorrow and the surrounding community are unbelievable – you all are angels!

The weather was (is) fantastic, the beach luxurious, the condo so comfortable and comforting. As if the basket, the warm welcome and just being here weren’t enough, the incredible Thanksgiving feast put us over the top to a priceless getaway with our family.

Could it get any better we didn’t dare ask!! Next we know our temporary neighbors are friends from the hospital world. Our daughters share a similar diagnosis and they were introduced to us when we first arrived for diagnostics to share their story and provide support.

So even better than just spending quality time with our family is sharing the holiday with their family and spending time away from the hospital in joy.

Thank you again for making this possible for us all. We hope to see you all again in the future. Until then, we send our love and best wishes to all who stay, volunteer and work here.

With Love,

Alison, Mike, Zach & Sophie

Valuable family time and great memories

Wayne, Volunteers, & Believe In Tomorrow Staff --

Wow - after finding out last minute that we wouldn't be able to spend thanksgiving with our extended family due to an illness, we weren't sure what we would do and how we would explain it to our Young children. However, with just one phone call to Believe In Tomorrow we were headed to O.C. for the the holiday weekend. When we arrived we discovered a fabulous basket full of goodies for the kids - a nice surprise. THEN, we looked through the envelope left for us and found that Thanksgiving dinner would be delivered an hour later - everything from turkey to cranberries to dessert! Also in the envelope we found tickets for many activities that included mini golf, movies, gift cards to restaurants (multiple!), arcades, and tickets to the Winterfest of Lights. Again, we say "wow." The generosity and kindness of Believe In Tomorrow and all of the contributors is unbelievable. You have all made what could have been a "sad" day excessively fun - valuable family time and great memories.
Thank you!

Thanksgiving Holiday

We are so grateful for the opportunity to use the BIT House By The Sea for our Thanksgiving Holiday. We were able to spend 2 days at the beach just relaxing while the weather was still warm. We enjoyed playing a lot of Putt-Putt golf, dinners at Outback Steakhouse and La Hacienda, and a day trip to Assateague Island. The hospitality and warm welcome by Wayne was so appreciated by all of us. We used this long weekend to rest , relax, and recharge our spirits after a rough year of health issues with our son Alex.
Thank you

Thank you!

We would like to thank everyone who helped us have a great week. Our family as many who stay here have gone through so much this year. Just being able to spend time together and be a family was the best. Sometimes at home it's hard to escape the realities of having someone who means the world to you go through so much. All the things we were able to do this week are because of people like Believe In Tomorrow. Thank you so much for allowing us to enjoy each other. It's hard to put in words what you have done for our family.

Thank you.

To Everyone at Believe In Tomorrow

Thank you so much for letting us come to the retreat house! It was such a great time and we were able to concentrate on having fun and improving quality family time. It is so nice to get away from all your daily worries.

We really enjoyed Assateague Island, playing on the beach and finding shells, and Joshua's favorite was the rides!! It was so heart warming to enter the beach house and see the kids faces light up when they saw the welcome basket and their room with all the decorations and toys! We truly felt at home and enjoyed every minute of our vacation!

After all we've been through with Joshua, it was nice to stop and get away and spend time with our kids and really enjoy life! Thanks to your crew we were able to do that! Thank you again for your hospitality and caring hearts!!

Love, Jamie, Josh, Jessica, Joshua Jr. & Grandma

Wayne & Everyone -

Thank you so much for your beautiful retreat - we loved every minute of it. We hope me can come back again next year for a wonderful break again. We played in the sand & the waves every day.

Thanks a million!
Max & Nicole

Sept 10-14, 2007

Wayne & Everyone Else at Believe In Tomorrow,

Thanks so much for letting Hannah & I be a part of the House By The Sea. We appreciate all you have done for us, including the great gift basket we received upon arrival.

Thank you also for all the fun things to do and please tell all the merchants that donated for us "thank you"! The ocean was a little too strong for us, but it was fun to walk along & play in. Hannah loved being able to go to the pool and play also. She loved your "miracle" critter lights outside. The unit you gave us to use for the week was wonderful! Bigger than our apt! I know we are a long ways from you guys since we live in Phx. but that didn't seem to matter to any of you. Hannah & I have had a lot of hard times in the last couple years & we are very grateful for all that everyone has done for us. We will remember this stay forever!

Lee & Hannah

P.S. Wayne, you made our stay special and are the perfect person for this job!

Sept 10-14 2007

Wayne & Everyone Else at Believe In Tomorrow,

Thanks so much for letting Hannah & I be a part of the House By The Sea. We appreciate all you have done for us, including the great gift basket we received upon arrival.

Thank you also for all the fun things to do and please tell all the merchants that donated for us "thank you"! The ocean was a little too strong for us, but it was fun to walk along & play in. Hannah loved being able to go to the pool and play also. She loved your "miracle" critter lights outside. The unit you gave us to use for the week was wonderful! Bigger than our apt! I know we are a long ways from you guys since we live in Phx. but that didn't seem to matter to any of you. Hannah & I have had a lot of hard times in the last couple years, & we are very grateful for all that everyone has done for us. We will remember this stay forever!

Lee & Hannah

P.S. Wayne, you made our stay special and are the perfect person for this job!

When we first walked into the house my heart fell to the floor. Everything was so lovely. The atmosphere was a dream come true. My children really enjoyed watching the ducks & swans. I really will come back, there was a lot to do and see. Thanks so much for the experience.

Mother of Shenyce

6/16/07 - 6/22/07

Dear Believe In Tomorrow (House By the Sea)

Our son, Austin, who is 3 years old, has ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia). Our family is absolutely grateful to you all. Since our son was diagnosed (Nov. '06), we have not had a chance to stop & breathe! The House by the Sea actually allowed our family to finally stop & breathe & almost forget the realities of cancer. Our son was a "normal" little boy all this week. We got to be a family on a vacation! This trip has brought us all closer again & we were able to recharge our batteries fully. We thank you for all the coupons/passes to all the activities (like Jolly Roger's, Outback, mini golfing, boat rides, pirate ride, Old Frontier Town & more much). The beach/ocean were beautiful! The other families were great. Our son actually had an appetite here! The kiddies don't want to leave! You guys thought of everything & we thank you for everything - thanks just doesn't seem like a big enough word for all that you have done. Thank God for people like you. God Bless you all! Thanks, thanks, thanks.
Love,
Jenny, Gary, Dani & Austin

P.S. to the next family - you'll have a great time!!

8-8-07 Wednesday

Believe In Tomorrow House at Bethany Beach

Thank you for a wonderful, exciting, relaxing & joyful stay. All of us, Tonia, Caleb, Henry, Max, Sammy & Yanessa, also Nana Stephanie & GG Connie, had an enjoyable time. We enjoyed ourselves at the crab house, photos on the beach, cookout with the Believe In Tomorrow Family, ice cream cake, dancing & the clown. We pray for your continuation in providing families with a "time away" from the daily life. May God continue to bless you and inspire you always.

Stephanie (Nana)

8-8-07

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to have a great time. I was blessed to be able to bring my kids. The barbecue and pictures on the beach were so nice. And I can't even begin to express thoroughly how much we enjoyed all the generous gifts from you all and from the companies who donated dinners. We captured some wonderful family moments. My husband was saddened to not be able to be here but that is his job calling him to duty. But he was very grateful for you letting his family have this opportunity. Everything was a true gift, the house was so perfect for our family. I can't wait to return again sometime.

Sincerely,

Tonia

Samuel, Henry, Caleb, Max, Yanessa

July 14-21

This has been a wonderful week! I have not had a whole weeks vacation since before my girls were born - 5 years ago! The girls have had an amazing time & did so many things that they have never done.

I had no idea that so many fun activities would be available to us. One of their favorites was the cookout with the magic show, crafts & lollipop! They had never been on a boat before & they LOVED the OC Rocket. Another highlight of their trip was Jolly Roger Water Park. Again, that was their first trip to a water park.

My favorite was the beach portraits. John & his partner spent so much time with the girls. I can't wait to see the pictures!

Thank you also for the Princess Quilt! That was a big hit!

You and your volunteers do an amazing job. Being a single mom of 3 little girls (one with cancer), I can't begin to express my gratitude to you for inviting us to O.C. The girls had an amazing 1st vacation thanks to you.

Thank you!!!
Debby
Jessica, Shannon & Kayla

P.S. The beach was great too!

Dear Believe In Tomorrow Children's Foundation

Thank you so much for all you've done this week to make this an awesome family vacation! This home at Mallard Lakes is lovely and provided the quiet time we needed after the many activities we enjoyed including biking, mini-golfing, the water park, and of course, the beach! The timing was just right for us -- I can't tell you how much we needed this break! We would highly recommend the bike ride on the boardwalk in the morning -- it's a chance to see that area before all the crowds arrive. My daughter thought it was cool to see the shops opening and the boardwalk come alive during our ride. The crabs at Hooper's were delicious! It's a little sad to be packing up to leave today, but we leave with great family memories of a wonderful time at the beach!

The N Family

A Thank You Letter

September 6, 2007

Dear Wayne,
I just can't Thank You and the foundation enough for the WONDERFUL time our family had in Ocean City. We have been on a few great vacations but this trip to OC is truly one of the best. First of all, the atmosphere, the people, the businesses and the beach were a welcome change from Dr's and hospitals. The generosity from the local businesses was unbelievable, so I made sure I sent thank you notes and pictures to them all.

The party on the deck was one of my highlights of the trip. It was great to meet the other families and have the kids interact with other kids dealing with similar situations. You and the volunteers made us feel like we were visiting family. What special people you are to take time and spend it with our family and the others. We have never felt so welcomed somewhere!

We all enjoyed our chats with you in between all our activities. You made the kids feel so comfortable; they were always asking to go down stairs to see if you were there. You are truly a genuine, caring person. The Believe In Tomorrow Foundation is extremely lucky to have you! Thanks again and hope to visit soon.

Sincerely,
Andrew, Michele, Antonia and Mike

Sept 10-14, 2007

Wayne & everyone at Believe In Tomorrow,

Thanks so much for letting Hannah and I be a part of the House By The Sea. We appreciate all you have done for us, including the great gift basket we received upon arrival. Thank you also for all the fun things to do and please tell all the merchants that donated for us "thank you"! The ocean was a little too strong for us, but it was fun to walk along & play in. Hannah loved being able to go to the pool & play also. She loved your "miracle" critter lights outside. The unit you gave us to use for the week was wonderful! Bigger than our apt! I know we are a long ways from you guys since we live in Phx, but that didn't seem to matter to any of you. Hannah & I have had a lot of hard times in the last couple years & we are very grateful for all that everyone has done for us. We will remember this stay forever!

Lee & Hannah

P.S. Wayne, you made our stay special and you are the perfect person for this job!

9/9/07

Fabulous weekend in unit #5, as usual we were lacking nothing. Had lots of fun & relaxation! Hope to see you again soon!

Love you & your fab staff,

Lisa, Jim, Chris & Mikey

Dear Wayne & Believe In Tomorrow,

We want to give you guys a huge thank you! You gave us a vacation of a lifetime! We still can not believe all the incredible activities offered to us! We had a blast at Frontier Town; we had a wonderful dinner at Hooper’s! Mike at the Outback was more than courteous! And we can’t forget that awesome boat ride! I still can’t believe we got to see dolphins in the Bay! We really enjoyed meeting other families and our children played so well together that we exchanged addresses! I hope Wayne remembers my husband’s little accident with the front end of my car! Haha

THANK YOU BELIEVE IN TOMORROW FOR A VACATION OF A LIFETIME THAT WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! :)

Love, Brandon, Mary Ann, Chris, Kierstyn and little Kaidyn

9/3-9/9

We would like to thank everyone who helped us have a great week. Our family, as many who stay here, has gone through so much this year. Just being able to spend time together and be a family was the best. Sometimes at home it's hard to escape the realities of having someone who means the world to you, go through so much. All the things we were able to do this week are because of people like Believe In Tomorrow. Thank you so much for allowing us to enjoy each other. It's hard to put in words what you have done for our family.

Thank you,
The M's

September 2007

This week has been incredible! We had never taken a family vacation before and really didn't know what to expect. When we first arrived and walked into our unit we were overwhelmed with the sweetness and caring that was packed into every nook and cranny. From the beautiful paintings of the beach and sea creatures to the photos and decorations, and the welcome basket filled with so many fun things. And then to have so many opportunities offered to us throughout the week - things that would normally be so far out of reach... I just can't say enough.

Wayne, you have such a joyful spirit and a welcoming heart. You made everything so easy for the families that were here. You gave us the chance to meet and bond with the other families, while also allowing us the freedom to say "no thank you" to any activity. We tried to take in as much as we possibly could each day and now have so many wonderful memories to carry home with us.

Thank You All,
Scott, Chelle, Melody, Caleb, Eliah & Julia

Sept. 3-9, 2007

Dear Believe In Tomorrow,

This week has been wonderful. I just don't know how to put into words how thankful we are to have been a part of this wonderful program. We have had some wonderful food this week, from Hooper's, the wonderful food at the picnic and be sure to try Pino's Pizza (best pizza we have ever had!). We got to come and go as we wanted, no schedule to follow for once in our busy lives. The boat trip to Assateague was so much fun we got to see 3 ponies. And for Madison and myself, our first time on a boat was great! The O.C. Rocket was so much fun as well. Thank you Wayne for allowing Madison's grandparents to be a part of this very special vacation for Madison.

Thank you Wayne AND volunteers.

Madison and family
Anthony, Jen, Pappy & DaDa

Sept 1, 2007

Well, it's hard to believe that it's time to go. It's been such a special week. Except for the existence and generosity of this program, we wouldn't have been able to come to such a place for vacation. We feel very special.

The kids and we are so grateful for a vacation. Our daughter is 3 months into remission and we feel we've been given a second chance. Here in the sunshine, the water and the activities, the events of the past year seem far away and to be away from home seems to help let things go. To be allowed to put the worry away for a while and just enjoy the moment. To rest.

The kids are happy, healthy, sun-tanned and verging on spoiled! It's been good. We are very grateful. A huge thank you to all the volunteers, the sponsors, and Wayne who pull all this together so that we can have such a week. Your efforts are healing on so many levels. Thank you.

In deep appreciation,

The T's

Dear Wayne,*

When Nicole raised her hand and thanked you at the first meeting, I looked at her and raised an eyebrow. In the middle of the week, she wanted to go to the drug store to get you a card. That took me by surprise, and I raised both eyebrows. Then on the last day, she insisted that the card be in the mail before we left town. Well, that put tears in my eyes.

We're talking about someone that I have to poke and ask, "Did you say thank you?" every time she gets something from anyone.

So, she really appreciated her trip and the fun that we had with you and your wonderful crew.

I can't thank you enough for the best vacation we ever had.

Robert

(*Wayne Littleton is the Believe In Tomorrow Ocean City Programs Coordinator)

8/30/07

Thank you so much for a wonderful beach vacation for our family. The generosity and efforts of all the people and businesses in the area were more than we ever could have imagined. Our kids got to meet new friends in the other families and our strolls to the beach were wonderful. Wayne & the other volunteers hosted a very nice BBQ and made our kids feel welcome. God Bless & keep up the great work.

The O Family

8.22.07

Dear Believe In Tomorrow,

The house is absolutely gorgeous! The lighthouse decor gives it a special touch. We are so thankful that we were given this opportunity to stay somewhere so nice. The boys enjoyed swimming in the pool. They always had plenty to do with all the activities that were available. Their favorites were Jolly Rogers Amusement Park, where most of their time was spent at the water park, the other was bike riding on the boardwalk with the recumbent bikes. Our dinner at Hooper's Crab House was also very good. Unfortunately we have to depart early, but it was a lot of fun to say the least. It's wonderful that you do this for the families. Thank you so much for giving us a wonderful vacation!

Sincerely
Tyler & Family

Thank you for your generosity!

7/5/07

Dear Believe In Tomorrow,
Wow! What a beautiful log home with a spectacular view. We have one more day here and are dreading getting back to reality.

On day one, we took the chair lift up the mountain and checked out the white water rafting & the kayaking. We ate lunch at DC's Restaurant. I recommend the seafood wrap; my children prefer the prime rib wrap. My son enjoyed mountain biking in the rain on Thursday. White water rafting was also a big hit. Down at the bottom of the mountain at Fun Land, we enjoyed miniature golf and loved the arcade.

We all decided that we were perfectly content staying at home and relaxing. My daughter, 13, stayed glued to the computer. My son, 10, loved playing pool and exploring all around outdoors.

Thanks again for a wonderful getaway! We appreciate all of your generosity.

Kim, Kaylee & Kamron

Aug 18-25th 2007

When our son Christopher was born premature we were in hope he would grow into a healthy boy. Our dreams were lost when he was diagnosed with Leukemia once he was six.

At the House By The Sea we were able to connect with the other families and Chris made friends who accepted him due to just being down the same road. Just to see your child smile by being a pirate on a ship, having a BBQ on the deck, wishing for a hole in one at golf and many other activities, makes being here so worthwhile. It doesn't matter who you are, just come as you are and call it home away from home. You are always welcome.

We wish the families a safe journey to recovery road.

God Bless

Jeffrey, Regina and Christopher

August 21st - 25th

Thank you so much for a wonderful week. Juliana was only two the last time we were at the ocean and couldn't remember what it was like. She and all of the kids had a great time at the beach. Jolly Rogers was also a hit as were miniature golf and the cookout with the clown.

The past six months have been tough trying to juggle Juliana's chemo treatments with all of our work and home responsibilities while trying to find time for our other five children. We really enjoyed this time to reconnect as a family.

Thanks to all of the volunteers that made this week possibly.

John, Tammy, Rebecca, Matt, Kristina, Lindsay, Timmy & Juliana

7/19

Dear Believe In Tomorrow,

We have had a magical stay here at Wisp Mountain. Kayaking at the Savage River Reservoir, we had a close encounter with a doe and her fawn. First they were drinking near us on the shore but then they swam right by our kayaks to the other side, followed by an up-close encounter with a bald eagle, it was an exciting day. On the property we have seen deer, raccoons, groundhogs, chipmunks, and humming birds. We are hoping to meet a bear before we leave. We had s'mores at the campfire last night and are horseback riding tomorrow! My daughter Emma would enjoy it if we never left "our log cabin." I am so grateful for the opportunity to stay in such a lovely home with an incredible view. We have fallen in love with Deep Creek Lake. Thank you,

Nichole

Gaberiel says Thank You

for everything that each and everyone of you do. We can never explain how much this place means to us.

Fun fun fun

August 11-18th

John & Michelle
(& seven girls)

Just being normal is healing. We haven't had a family vacation in 2 years.

Ever since Maggie was diagnosed with liver cancer a year ago this past April, it seems like all of our families' activities have revolved around CANCER. With medical treatment being 4 hours from our home and chemo every week there was no time for our other seven children. They gave up so much over the past 15 months; sports, summer play, time with friends, and the attention of their parents (mine & John's).

This week at the beach via the generosity of the Believe In Tomorrow Children's Foundation is ours & Maggie's way of showing them how wonderful, caring, and loving they all are in a very tangible way.

Time has been a precious commodity these past 15 months. Here at the House by the Sea, time seems to slow down. We can all just breath & relax, and be normal again.

My Trip Downey Ocean*

August 11, 2007
We arrived today. There was a great reggae band playing by the pool, so we checked them out. Later we went to the boardwalk where we ate fries and light mint frozen yogurt. On the bus, we met people from Texas! When I grow up I'm going to Seacrets.

August 12, 2007
Today we went on the beach, swam in the ocean and attempted to make a sand castle. The sand was scratching my feet so I pretty much sprinted the entire way there. Later we went swimming in the pool and laid in the hammock . I went to the boardwalk AGAIN(!!!) just so I could visit the Kite Loft. Oh yeah, we went Dino golfing and walked on the beach at night. Now I feel like watching Dora the Explorer.

August 13, 2007
Today was OC Rocket Day. Kristine was splashed in the face & I laughed. Then we went to Hooper's & had seafood. At night my buddies and I went to Denny's, the beach, and a playground.

August 14, 2007
This morning we rode bikes on the boardwalk. My parents went golfing while Schwale and I boogie boarded. Then we went to Frontier Town. There was a BBQ on the deck. Lastly, we got pictures taken. Thank you for everything!

Cara, Kristine, Chuck & Marie


*note from the editor: "Downey Ocean" is a Maryland term for "down to the ocean," often meaning down to Ocean City.

Dear Believe In Tomorrow

We would like to say "Thank You" very much for giving our family this opportunity. This was our first getaway and boy did we need it. All of the things you offered were so much fun. I think our favorite was the horseback riding. Jacob loved Peanut, his horse. He cried when we had to leave and then asked if we could buy his horse. Daddy said yes, as soon as we win the lottery!!

Our entire journey for almost the last year has been a blessing and now we have one more to add. Your log cabin is so beautiful and the view was amazing. We enjoyed everything that was given to us, especially the gift basket and T-shirts. I hope that this house continues to be a blessing to others as it has been to us.

Chris, Jackie, Jacob & Gabriel

To all other families coming through, good luck with the rest of your journey, whether it is ending or just beginning, and remember to live every moment to its fullest. Have faith and God Bless!!

Aug. 11, 07

Thanks so much for the fun vacation. We will remember the good times we had, eating at Hooper's and the cookout we had on the deck. The girls had a good time. It was nice to see other families. Thanks for the fun time.

Tina, Terry, Elizabeth, Steph, Becca, Amanda

Our Trip to Ocean City

Aug 5, 2007
Hi I'm Antonia. I'm 8 years old. I came here because I have cancer. I like Ocean City and we ate dinner on the bay. I like the place we are staying in. Ocean City is fun. I like swimming at the pool and going out for dinner. I like arts and crafts too.

Aug 6 2007 :)
Today is the 1st day we went mini golfing and then we went out for lunch then we went to the beach and played & swam. Now we are getting ready to go out to dinner. Then we went to the Candy Store and made ice cream.

Aug 7, 07
Today we went on a pirate ship, we had to help find the treasure box then we went to lunch. After, we went swimming, later we go to the party. We made crafts and had ice cream. Now we are getting ready to get photographs at the beach.

Aug 8, 2007
Today we went fishing on a boat. I caught 8 fish and my brother caught 8 fish too! Then we went to lunch at the Dough Roller. The we went back home and took a nap and walked on the boardwalk.

Aug 9, 07
Today we went to Jolly Rogers and went in the kiddie pool. And then we went to lunch at Tubby's then we went back home and took a nap. Then went back to Jolly Rogers and went on the rides then went to dinner on the boardwalk.

Aug. 10, 07
Today we are going to the western theme park. First we are walking then we are going to another water park.

Aug 11, 07
Today we are going home. Good Bye Good Bye to all of you. Thank you for all of the stuff.
Thanks,
Antonia, Mike, Michele and Andrew

8/4 - 8/11/07

My son Weston was diagnosed with leukemia -ALL in Nov. '05 and I can honestly say, after losing a year and a half of our "normal" lives, we finally received that back by staying at your House By The Sea! Although Dad couldn't make it, my mom came instead, but it was such a nice break for everyone!! You guys take care of EVERYTHING and all we had to do was show up. The house was spectacular, so clean and many other special things for the kids that were so "beyond" our expectations! As we are cleaning up and packing, we are already talking about coming back next year! Wayne, you were so gracious and you and your staff treated us just like family. We feel very blessed to have met such wonderful people, including the other families. God Bless You All and See You Soon!

:)

Paula, Weston Maya and Grandma

4-9 Aug 07

Believe In Tomorrow,

Wow! What a special week you allowed the entire family to enjoy! The house is beautiful and has everything you could want for a week at the beach. The kids had a great time crabbing off the pier in the lake across the street. Each of the events set up for our family was 1st class. From the meals, to the amusement parks, to the H20 park, to fishing in the Bay, every event is now a memory we will cherish forever. We thank you for your hospitality, generosity and caring.

Thanks!
Dwight, Dana, Braydin, Karina & Torin

August 10, 2007

We had a wonderful week! Our accommodations were beautiful and spacious - so pretty! Patrick was able to get everywhere in his wheelchair. The weather was quite hot, but wouldn't want rain!

Wayne, you are a really nice guy and so very helpful. I really enjoyed our chats. Your volunteers are special people, too; so friendly and welcoming!

Thanks to the Believe In Tomorrow organization for providing this extra special getaway for Patrick and the rest of us. We really were glad to have a vacation this summer and couldn't have been treated better.

The B. Family

July 28 - Aug. 4, 2007

There are not enough words to communicate how much our family needed this vacation! Our son, Keeghan, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in April 2006. Since that time, every day spent away from home has pretty much been in a hospital. Throughout all of this our daughter Mackenie has been right by Keeghan's side. To have this week of seeing them be able to act like any other 11- and 13-year-old has been so amazing.

Al we can say is "Thank you" even if it doesn't seem like nearly enough!
Sincerely,
Mike, Shannon, Mackenzie & Keeghan

Thank you
from: Keeghan

Thank you so much. You have made Keeghan's year a happy one!
-Maxx

7 Reasons to Love the House By The Sea

Day 1 Arrival
Friendly people to welcome you, with smiles, gifts & a caring attitude.

Day 2
Riding the OC Rocket & walking the Boardwalk! Also, collecting shells on the beach after a thunderstorm.

Day 3
Meeting the fabulous Wayne - your "cruise director" for the week. Boogie boarding on the beach. Dinner at Hooper's - try the lobster!

Day 4
More beach time - Yay! Also, the cookout on the deck was wonderful, & what a surprise to get to have our picture taken on the beach by a professional photographer!

Day 5
Going sight-seeing on the boat with Bill & John was great! Fishing was fun too. We even got to see dolphins swim past our boat & we saw the horses on Assateague Island! Thanks to Bud for arranging our day on the boat!

Day 6
Jolly Rogers Amusement Park and more Boardwalk shopping!

Day 7
The Beach Party! So much fun - but I can honestly say that I will never look at chocolate chip cookies or gummy worms the same again! (don't worry... you'll find out...)

Every day spent here is another reason to love Believe In Tomorrow & all that they provide for families in need of a vacation.

August 1, 2007

We really had a wonderful time! This is our first time in OC, MD, it's beautiful here.

The look on MacKenzie & Austin's faces were priceless, as are the memories we have here.

The room is beautiful and so comfortable. Jolly Roger was the highlight - the kids had never been to a water park before. The rides were perfect for them.

After all MacKenzie & Austin have been through, this was amazing for them. We loved that the staff focuses on the family, the siblings too. So many organizations focus on the sick child when the siblings struggle so much.

The staff is so nice. Wayne* - you are a very special person, we really appreciate everything you did! We would not have made it without you!

Jenn, Evan, Austin & MacKenzie

(*Wayne Littleton is the Believe In Tomorrow Ocean City Programs Coordinator)

August 4, 2007

We appreciate you for having us this summer week! You have made this vacation the best 1 we've ever had so far, & we thank you for that. Everyone was so nice & made us feel like a big family! We will always remember you & the great times we had everyday this week. Thank you for making this experience so special!

We look forward to coming back some other time!

Sincerely,
Nicole

03 Aug. 07

We love you! You all have made our summer the best yet! The memories created here will always be treasured. The Pirate Adventure, Jolly Rogers & tennis lessons were amazing. Alexander caught an 18 1/2 in. Flounder - he let Captain John have him :) . Alexander and Tyler both want tennis lessons when they get home! We all considered ourselves "expert" boogie surfers. We loved th beach. We met some awesome families & staff members here, and just loved the great food. Hooper's really treated us like royalty, after dinner we all needed a major nap. Terrific! The pizza party on the beach was "Great" :), hoola hoop, survivor, great company & fun music. Thank you so very much.

We will always treasure the memories made here. We were treated so terrificly & everything was great. Being here at the House By The Sea is like being home, every welcoming, very comfortable & full of loving friends. We love you.

Arlyn & Alexander
Cheryl & Tyler

In Their Own Words

Welcome to the Believe In Tomorrow family blog. These blogs are transcriptions of journal entries left in each of the retreat houses. These are the original writings of the families. Only minor spelling and grammatical changes have taken place.

Transcriptions are posted with consent of the family.