A Kid Again adventure set Sunday for ill youngsters, their families

Submitted photo A family enjoys A Kid Again Adventure at an Indy Fuel hockey game.

Jessiqa Troxel loves the idea of helping her 7-year-old son Mason lose himself in something other than the autism, seizures and other adversities that have marked his young life. That explains why she is excited about Sunday’s basketball-themed March Madness Mania Community Adventure planned from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Commons in downtown Columbus.

The free event, for youngsters and others up to age 20 with life-threatening conditions and their families, has been organized by the nonprofit organization known as A Kid Again.

“It definitely gives all of us something fun to do,” Troxel said, referring to her and her 9-year-old daughter, Emmaleigh.

Columbus native and Indiana University medical student Amanda Wissmann has organized the gathering and has heard from more than 220 people hoping to attend. Columbus Parks and Recreation Department also has been a part of preparations. Activities include mini-basketball, video game basketball, miniature golf, giant egg races, cookie decorating, giant Jenga and more.

Also, Noodles & Company is providing food and Starbucks is providing coffee. Organizers also hope to have a robotics team demonstration, and NCAA tournament games projected on an oversized screen, along with YES Cinema popcorn.

“The response so far says to me that people are aware that A Kid Again has put on excellent events in the past,” Wissmann said. “And I think if you advertise that you’re providing activities, food, a day of fun, and a chance to make memories with your family, well — I think that’s very attractive to people.”

Wissmann’s roommate, Caroline Joliet, founded the A Kid Again chapter at Indiana University.

“I understand that when someone is battling a life-threatening illness, kind of all the attention goes to diagnosing and treating and caring for that physical condition,” Wissmann said. “But the mental and emotional support sometimes can be neglected, though not intentionally.”

Financial and other support for the adventure has come from a Lilly Scholar Network grant and Columbus Regional Health. The Arc of Bartholomew County and the Arc of Jackson County are helping spread the word about the event.

Susan Burton with Approach Marketing helps promote A Kid Again, founded in 1995, and its mission.

“Children with life-threatening conditions and their families face hard days – doctors appointments, therapies, surgeries, and hospital visits,” Burton said. “That’s where A Kid Again comes in. ­­To help these families have carefree fun and create meaningful moments together through group activities called Adventures.

“Adventures are not just a one-time thing, but ongoing throughout the year. They are community outings with others going through similar experiences, helping families feel less alone in their child’s medical journey. Adventures are for the entire family – not just the kid with the medical condition, but parents and siblings too.”