For Oksana Vasquez, the backyard has become more than just a place to get fresh air; it is now a launchpad for developmental milestones. Oksana, a local child living with Level 3 Severe Autism, recently had her wish for a custom outdoor playset granted, a gift that her family says is already altering her daily life.
The project was completed earlier this week as a “Special Dream” granted by the Sunshine Foundation. The request was specific: a safe, engaging outdoor environment where Oksana could explore. The result includes a playhouse, a shaded sandbox, interchangeable swings, and a zip line.
According to Oksana’s mother, the impact was immediate. The morning following the installation, Oksana woke up in tears, overwhelmed by the anticipation of going outside to use the new equipment. Beyond the enjoyment, the family reports that the sensory engagement is driving tangible progress.
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“I can already see how much it is helping her grow, a love for the outdoors is blossoming, and she’s even talking more,” Oksana’s mother said. “On her zip line she joyfully says, ‘I’m flying’!”
The playset has also provided a rare moment of connection for the household. Oksana’s older brother, who also has autism and typically prefers the isolation of his room, ventured outside to witness his sister’s excitement.
The Sunshine Foundation, which facilitated the project, operates with a distinct mission compared to other wish-granting entities. While many major organizations limit their services to children with life-threatening diagnoses, Sunshine focuses on children with lifelong severe chronic illnesses and conditions. These include spina bifida, cerebral palsy, trauma from abuse, and severe epilepsy.
Oksana’s specific dream was funded through donors from the organization’s annual “Season of Sunshine Campaign” alongside a private family foundation.
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Since its inception in 1976, the Sunshine Foundation has assisted more than 43,280 children across the United States. The non-profit holds a 100% score on Charity Navigator, focusing its resources on “Magical Dreams” (travel) and “Special Dreams” (medical equipment, sensory items, and playsets).
For more information on the organization’s work or current campaigns, visit www.sunshinefoundation.org.
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