Meet My Incredible Daughter, Charlotte written by Kim Fulkerson

At just 10 years old, Charlotte radiates joy and curiosity, but she also faces unique challenges due to her diagnosis of PANDAS—Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections. This condition can lead to sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive behaviors, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation, which can be incredibly difficult for both Charlotte and our family.

Despite these hurdles, Charlotte’s spirit remains unbroken, and since 2017, we have been fortunate to be a part of the CC4C family. This organization has been a beacon of hope for us, providing support and resources that have profoundly impacted our journey.

Recently, we attended a weeklong adaptive summer camp in Galveston, funded by CC4C. This camp was not just a getaway; it was a transformative experience for Charlotte and a significant milestone for our family.

The camp provided opportunities for Charlotte to engage in social activities, including outings to popular attractions like Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn. These excursions were not merely fun—they were vital for Charlotte’s growth. She worked on her speech, social, and occupational goals, learning to introduce herself and ask questions to initiate conversations with new friends. These skills are essential for building connections and boosting her confidence, and witnessing her progress was truly heartwarming.

One of the highlights of the trip was when Charlotte learned how to tie her shoes. It may seem like a small achievement, but for us, it symbolized much more than just a practical skill. We celebrated this milestone by treating her to a pair of stylish new Nike Dunks.

Seeing her so proud of this accomplishment was a reminder of how far she has come—and how much potential lies ahead.

This trip was especially significant for me as it marked the first overnight adventure I could take with Charlotte on my own. As a parent to a child with PANDAS, I often grapple with anxiety about being away from home. The fear of a flare-up looms large, and I worry about my ability to manage her needs alone.

However, this experience allowed me to confront and begin to heal from those fears.

Being at the camp, sharing in the joy of Charlotte’s growth, and managing her care in a new environment showed me that I can indeed handle these challenges.

It was empowering, opening new possibilities for our family’s adventures together. Our time at the beach was particularly restorative. The sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and the laughter shared as we built sandcastles felt like a balm for our hearts. As we splashed in the water and enjoyed the simple pleasures of being together, I was reminded that healing can often be found in nature.

As we left Galveston, I felt a renewed sense of hope and strength.

In the words of Robert Wyland, "The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul."

This journey wasn’t just about Charlotte’s growth; it was about our family healing and embracing the future with open arms.

Together, we are learning that each challenge can lead to new beginnings, especially when we’re willing to take that leap into the unknown.