After 22 years of marriage and with three teenage children, Veronica Keyes suddenly found herself the sole head of the household when the devastating affects of multiple sclerosis forced her to place her beloved husband, Mike, into a nursing home.

Recently, she and her children had the opportunity to escape the stress of their lives for a few days when they attended the Deliver the Dream (www.deliverthedream.org/) retreat at the Dawsonville Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge. The 66th Deliver the Dream retreat hosted 11 families from the Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society. Each year, the retreats offer hundreds of families the chance to enjoy time together at free four-day retreats.

"Without any warning, I was in charge of the household," said Veronica. "I had to discipline our three teenage children, cook and take over the finances. This was a complete shock to my being. Even though my wonderful husband could not be with us, the retreat gave all of us a chance to enjoy each other and remember what we do have," she continued.

Made possible through financial support from Toyota Mall of Georgia in Buford, the retreat included activities designed to help families "regain strength, mend spirits and just be families and kids again," according to Deliver the Dream Executive Director Paul Withrow.  "Support from companies like Toyota Mall is invaluable," said Withrow. "They help make these retreats possible for families who deserve a break."

Jennie Williams, the wife of Toyota Mall’s owner, John Williams, serves on the Deliver the Dream board and has seen first-hand how these retreats brighten the lives of families facing illness. "We are pleased to be able to help make these life-changing experiences possible for so many families," she said. "I’ve seen what a difference laughter and togetherness makes for both kids and parents."

This is the third retreat for families from the Georgia MS Society, according to Hilary LaMotte, director of clinical and chapter programs. "With each year, we see more families benefit from the retreat weekends," said LaMotte. "We are grateful for Deliver the Dream for allowing our clients to spend time with other families living with MS and just have fun.

Chartered in 1953, the Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society is one of 54 chapters in the U.S.  It provides educational programs and direct services to more than 8,500 individuals in 159 countries. 

www.nationalMSsociety.org