Melanie LeCroy / Gulf Coast Media

On a hot Friday in June, a group of families and friends descended on OWA's Tropic Falls for a unique annual event aimed at happy memories for Alabama children with chronic life-threatening illnesses.

Magic Moments is a wish-granting organization for Alabama children or children receiving medical treatment within the state. Over the past six years, OWA Parks & Resort has partnered with the organization for one of its annual Beyond the Moment events.

"With national or international groups, once the children get their wish, they're done," Magic Moments Executive Director Sandy Naramore said. "But because we are just for local kids in Alabama, once they get their magic moment, we do Beyond the Moment events throughout the year until they turn 19."

Naramore said the Beyond the Moment events are more than just a fun day of making memories because it gives families a chance to connect.

"The biggest thing is that you're going to see the interaction between these families," Naramore said. "People from Huntsville meet people from Moundville, and they become immediately bonded."

The families have a shared, similar experience and can find comfort and friendship during the events. Naramore said it's fun to watch the siblings connect and build friendships. She described the organization as a family, and seeing her passion and connection with the families as they checked in proved it.

Children with chronic life-threatening illnesses are referred to the organization through case workers, social workers and the average person. Over the organization's 40 years, they have provided Magic Moments for over 5,000 children across all 67 counties in the state of Alabama. Magic Moments wishes have ranged from trips to Disney World to meeting Nick Saban and attending an Alabama football game.

When asked what Magic Moments have made an impact on her, Naramore laughed and said that was like opening a can of worms but did recount a few that have stuck with her.

"We had a little girl from this area, a ballerina, who wanted to go to New York and see the Nutcracker. She got to go backstage and meet the cast," Naramore said.

Throughout the morning as families arrived, Naramore greeted them by name. There were many hugs and smiles. Some of the children even ran to her as soon as they saw her. The children and their families were looking forward to spending a day enjoying the indoor water park and riding the roller coaster.
Naramore said the Beyond the Magic event at OWA has become one of the most anticipated events the organization hosts.

"From my perspective, we're providing a really cool day of fun where once they go past that gate, they can kind of escape the everyday challenges that they face," said Cathy Pavloski, OWA Parks & Resort's director of marketing. "They can just really have some time to spend together and create some great memories with friends and families."

Magic Moments is based in Birmingham, but they have regional coordinators throughout the state. They also hold fundraisers around the state, including in Baldwin County. On Oct. 24, the organization will host its Dinner at The Fairhope Inn fundraiser. The evening includes a delicious meal with wine pairings and cocktails, and a local child will be surprised with the news that their magic moment wish has been granted. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.magicmoments.org.

For more information on the Magic Moments organization or to refer a child, visit www.magicmoments.org.