Julianna Bello and her family enjoying Nationals Winterfest. Photo contributed
Julianna Bello, 9, of Springfield, received a special surprise on her May 1 birthday, thanks to the Casey Cares Foundation. Julianna, who has Common Variable Immune Deficiency, is the 6,349th child to receive a birthday present from Casey Cares.
“Our birthday program is especially important to us because we know how critical each birthday is to children who are fighting for their lives every day,” said Casey Cares founder and executive director Casey Baynes.
Casey Cares is a non-profit organization which serves critically ill kids like Julianna in eight states and Washington, D.C.providing a birthday gift delivery to every child enrolled in their programs.
More than 20,000 children are diagnosed with a critical illness every year. Casey Cares serves families with children battling everything from cancer to sickle cell disease to cystic fibrosis. In nearly two decades, Casey Cares has provided thousands of families opportunities to participate in group parties, athlete meet-and-greets, and sporting event and museum trips. They also provide at-home movie and PJ nights when kiddos are too sick to go out.
Julianna and her family have participated in seven uplifting activities since November 2018. The family has enjoyed the National Aquarium, a Ravens game, Nationals Winterfest, Shrek the Musical, School of Rock at the National Theatre, and a party at Ripley’s Believe It or Not.