CCA Kids Blog: #ThankfulThursday: Mini Retreat in St. Pete

Monday, January 27, 2020

#ThankfulThursday: Mini Retreat in St. Pete

Mr. Tommy and CCA Kids
Photo Credit: Rebecca Seda

CCA enjoyed a phenomenal time in St. Petersburg, Florida hosting our first Mini Retreat after the Florida Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association's annual meeting where they hosted an educational symposium for families at All Children's Hospital. Interested parents, caregivers, physicians, and adults attended informative sessions on Obstructive Sleep Apnea, IEPs, Minimally Invasive Craniosynostosis Surgeries, and Distraction Devices provided by All Children's medical professionals. We want to thank Drs. Bobbi Jo Hopkins, Alyssa Fritz, Gerald Tuite, and Alex Rottgers for their excellent, well prepared talks. Also, Dr. Alexander Allori gave a keynote for everyone in attendance on Measuring Outcomes in Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment. This type of opportunity to learn and gain knowledge of developing craniofacial treatments is incredibly beneficial to families who want to stay informed. The research and effort our providers put into their work is truly amazing, and it is such a gift to hear them talk passionately about improving care for our kids.

Kristin Bartzokis, Speaker

After this educational opportunity, families then were able to make a short drive to the St. Petersburg Country Club, where a delicious cookout lunch was served. The staff there went above and beyond, and a huge thanks to the Pokorny family and manager, Joe Brooks, who made this space available and so welcoming to us!

We all enjoyed the awesome entertainment from Mr. Tommy's Musical Show For Kids! Mr. Tommy made the show interactive bringing about the festive feeling of our Annual Retreat's dinner dance, along with his friend the stilt walker and circus performer! In attendance were CCA staffers, Erica Mossholder, Executive Director, and Program Director, Annie Reeves, to ensure everyone enjoyed a fun afternoon meeting other regional families.

We even had a fun raffle for our kids. Raffle items included a women's basket, a CCA Swag set, and the most coveted, a Kindle Fire from Every Smile Has a Story!

CCA would like to thank Tampa-area photographer, Rebecca Seda. She truly did a phenomenal job and provided a labor of love. Shot after shot are all magnificent! Thank you for volunteering your time to CCA on Saturday for our mini retreat. All of the photos here were taken while volunteering her skills at this regional event! Thank you, Rebecca.