ROCKINGHAM — Families with children diagnosed on the autism spectrum filled the lawn of Krystal Dawn Retreat Saturday for the annual spring party.
Those who attended the luau-themed event were presented with a lei and Autism Awareness bracelet as they checked in.
Krystal Dawn Retreat is the vision of Barbara and Leo McAuley who visited other properties in North Carolina, as well as Virginia and Tennessee, before settling on a site on Sneads Mill Road south of Cordova to build a getaway for families with special needs children.
It’s named after Barbara McAuley’s daughter who had more than 50 surgeries in her short lifetime and died following a multiple organ transplant at the age of 13.
The spring event coincides with Autism Awareness Month each April.
One in 36 children aged 8 years in the U.S. was identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2020, according to a report released last year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That accounts for roughly 4% of boys — in which it is most common — and 1% of girls. The study was based on monitoring in 11 states.
Activities at the luau included an egg hunt, catch-and-release fishing, paddle boating and face painting. There was also a small ball pit, swings and other games available. The retreat also has two donkeys and several goats on-site. Cordova Fire and Rescue brought a truck and Sparky the Fire Dog.
Some families gave short testimonials about Krystal Dawn Retreat for a video while they were there.
Krystal Dawn also hosts a similar event each fall.
Click here to see photos from 2023.
See RO photos from William R. Toler below. Additional photos from Robbie Singletary Photography are available on the Visit Richmond County Facebook page.
