A dream come true: Kris’ journey to Sesame Place
After nearly four years of planning and dreaming, a lifelong wish came true for Kris, a devoted Sesame Street fan and longtime participant in Ranch Ehrlo’s Supported Living Program (SLP).
Thanks to the passion and dedication of her care team, Kris had the opportunity to visit Sesame Place – a Philadelphia theme park dedicated to Big Bird, Elmo, and their beloved friends.
Through a combination of saving Kris’ earnings from her vocational programming, organizing food sales and community fundraisers, recycling initiatives, and creating valuable community partnerships, Kris and her care team raised enough money to make the five-day adventure possible.
“It was so good,” said Kris of her trip, donning her newest Sesame Street t-shirt. “Too much fun. I didn’t want to leave Sesame Street. I want to go for 10 more days!”
“She’s a world traveller now – that’s what she tells everyone,” smiled Lanette Bechard, program manager. “She’s already planning her next big trip.”
Kris set off alongside her two caregivers, Jacqui Wong and Kristen Watson, on June 2nd. While the trip itself was a dream-come-true, the entire journey was an experience Kris won’t soon forget.
“She’s never done anything this big before,” explained Jacqui. “We thought there was going to be so much more trepidation, but she was just excited. Every time there was something new, she met the challenge with enthusiasm.”
Kris’ care team helped her prepare for the holiday with a calendar countdown at home and at work, through conversation, and an extensive tour of the Regina airport where she had the opportunity to pass through security and meet the airline staff.
“When the day finally came, Kris arrived at the airport in high spirits and extremely excited to fly, and she maintained that sunny disposition and high energy through the entire trip,” said Jacqui. “She spent the flights, taxi rides, meals, and activities connecting with new people at every turn. Kris has the ability to engage with people so easily, and by the end of the trip she had new friends from across the United States.”
Kris enjoyed every moment in Sesame Place and got to meet and spend time interacting with all of her favourite Muppets. She danced along with the Cookie Monster concert, read stories with Grover, bought out a significant portion of the wares at Mr. Hooper’s store, had lunch and a dance party with Elmo and Abby Cadabby, and ended the day with the musical parade with all of the Muppets.
Other highlights of the trip included the afternoon dips in the hotel’s outdoor pool, dining out at a 50s themed diner, exploring a nearby outlet mall, and trying Dunkin’ Donuts for the first time. Kris visited Otherworld, an interactive, sensory art exhibit and enjoyed wandering through the rooms of interactive art.
A clear standout for Kris? “Big Bird and Elmo!” she exclaimed. Dancing with Elmo and Abby Cadabby was a dream come true — second only to riding Big Bird’s carousel for the first time… and many times after that. “I love it so much because I like the carousel and I like to see Big Bird and his friends!”
Kris’ gratitude has been strong, saying thank you at every turn, making sure to acknowledge her staff as friends around every corner of the trip. She also brought home small gifts for each of her roommates because she realized they’d be a little disappointed they didn’t have the same experience.
This trip would not have been possible without the incredible investment and advocacy of Kris’ care team and all the connections she has built at Ranch Ehrlo over the years. Current and past caregivers came together to organize and attend fundraisers, and the planning of the trip took many hours of organization. Kris could not be more appreciative of how many people donated items and their time to support her.
“This was four years of buildup — of her looking forward to the trip and four years of feeling special, with everyone coming together for her. I think that was almost as good as the trip,” said Jacqui. “Just those few years really strengthened her relationship with everyone at the Ranch because she could see how many people were there supporting her. I think she really got the feeling of ‘I belong. They care about me. They love me.’”
The Supportive Living Programs provide support to persons with differing abilities by providing group living, educational, and vocational programs to people with multiple, complex developmental needs. Care and support are focused on person-centred and strength-based services.
