Why I Splash: In Honor of Connor
Kerry Ann has been a part of the Long Beach Polar Bears Splash since its creation. What started as her bringing her camera to the beach to watch her friends dive in the icy Atlantic on Super Bowl Sunday has turned into a city-wide tradition to support Make-A-Wish. In addition to her role working for the City of Long Beach to help organize the event, Kerry Ann has a personal connection to the splash’s mission that makes it even more meaningful to her.
In Walt Disney World, Connor was welcomed with Kermit the Frog merchandise and other treats from Give Kids the World, a fully accessible resort for wish kids visiting Orlando.
Kerry Ann’s son was scheduled to have his wish in 2012. Born with a neuromuscular disease, he was confined to a wheelchair and required special medical equipment for his daily well-being. He initially wished to meet his favorite character, Kermit the Frog. However, as he also adored all things Disney and Pixar, his wish changed to go to the Walt Disney World® Resort and see his favorite characters in one place. The trip was planned, and Connor was anticipating his wish when Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast in October, damaging Connor’s wheelchair, medical equipment, and their entire home. All hope of getting to Orlando was lost and Kerry Ann considered canceling their trip altogether.
When it seemed like all odds were against Connor’s wish coming true, the stars aligned. The owners of a vacant summer home in Point Lookout invited Kerry Ann’s family to stay temporarily. Someone from her church offered to repair their home for free. Another volunteer fixed Connor’s wheelchair. The trip was back on!
In Walt Disney World, Connor was welcomed with Kermit the Frog merchandise and other treats from Give Kids the World, a fully accessible resort for wish kids visiting Orlando. They spent what seemed like endless hours in the parks, and the family would come back to the resort exhausted but fulfilled from their magical days in the parks. Well, everyone but an energized Connor, who asked “what’s next?” at 11:30 at night. “It was like someone gave him magic medicine. He was happier, stronger. Because of his disease, he was constantly hunched over. But he was sitting up straight and always ready to go,” Kerry Ann recalled, smiling.
Kerry Ann described Connor’s wish trip as the best last memory with Connor. After traveling back to Long Island and moving into their repaired home, Connor passed away that April. To this day, she looks back in amazement at the people who rallied behind her family during this time. From strangers helping them recover after the hurricane to magical touches from employees in Orlando to Make-A-Wish – Kerry Ann knows better than anyone the importance of community.
Every year, Kerry Ann, her husband Chris, and children Ryan and Katie put on their yellow Polar Bear sweatshirts (Connor’s favorite color) and brave the February chill to honor this same community. “The best part of Long Beach is how our community comes together when someone is in need. During the Polar Bears Splash, thousands are on the beach helping to make wishes come true. It’s truly amazing. For us, we love seeing so many familiar faces stopping by the yellow Team Connor Tent to cheer us on or make a donation,” Kerry Ann explained.
This year’s splash is extra special for Kerry Ann. Along with remembering Connor’s wish by organizing Team Connor, she will also be honoring her good friend’s son, a member of the Long Beach community who passed suddenly. The creation of The Splash was a way to honor a Long Island boy named Paulie who passed before his wish could be granted. “It’s amazing how many come out to honor Paulie’s memory, and we are honored that the Bradley family lets us share his day.”
No matter why you splash, the Long Beach Polar Plunge allows the community to come together for a greater purpose – granting more wishes for children like Paulie and Connor in our community. Join us on the beach on February 11, 2024, to make wishes come true.