OCEAN CITY – Ocean City School District administration partnered with the Sunshine Foundation to bring rays of light to a deserving student in need and her family.
Leilani Castillo Guzman, a fourth-grade student in the district, was honored with a generous donation from the Sunshine Foundation. Leilani’s diagnosis of Turner’s Syndrome, which causes a partially or fully missing X chromosome in girls and women, qualifies her for the donation.
Leilani is known to her peers and her mentors as a hardworking and amazing student who brings compassion and friendship to the school. While she’s effortlessly making a positive impact on the lives of her friends and loved ones, the foundation wanted to return the same kindness.
Leilani’s dream trip to Disney is being made a reality, thanks to the efforts of Ocean City Primary School Principal Cathleen Smith; Cathy DiMarco, the president of the All-Volunteer Ocean City Cape Atlantic Chapter of the Sunshine Foundation; and primary school staff members Carole Maurer, Paola Neff and Ivory Williams.
“Leilani is the kind of student we hope our other students would mirror. Even at such a young age, she is a beacon of positivity in the halls and in the classroom,” Dr. Smith said. “She not only inspires her peers, but the adults in her life too. We’re all so excited for her to be awarded this experience. It’s truly once in a lifetime to be recognized like this.”
Leilani has never been to Disney World; she told her peers she is excited to meet the characters.
Established in 1976, the Sunshine Foundation serves to fulfill the wishes of students with develop mental, emotional, or familial income issues. The foundation raises money to send children on their dream trips. The foundation has helped more than 42,500 children.
“Sunshine Foundation receives hundreds of referrals a year asking us to answer the dreams of children with life-long chronic illnesses and conditions from income-limited families,” said Rich Mergo, director of development at the Sunshine Foundation. “The impact can be seen by the smiles on their faces and in the stories shared by their families. These Dream Come True trips will give these families memories that will last a lifetime and help them through the challenging times they will have in the future.”
On Sept. 9, the Sunshine Foundation had its annual golf outing, where Leilani was presented her donation along with her family. Their trip is planned for some time this year.
For more information on the Sunshine Foundation or to refer a child, visit sunshinefoundation.org.