The Miami Beach community is coming together with the local Fire Department partnering with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for a beach day aimed at promoting joy and inclusion. According to the city's announcement, the 39th annual Dr. Moises Simpser Ventilation Assisted Children’s Center Camp (VACC Camp) is scheduled today at Nikki Beach, starting at 10 a.m. This event caters to children with special respiratory needs, providing them with the thrill of beach fun.
Children who depend on oxygen, tracheostomies, or ventilators will have the opportunity to swim and engage in games at the beach. Miami Beach firefighters are volunteering at the event, helping provide safe access to the beach by setting up wheelchair-accessible paths and providing waterproof wheelchairs. Handheld ventilators will also be available to assist with breathing in the water, ensuring the children can experience the ocean safely. "Our firefighters are happy to volunteer each year, helping create special moments for the children and their families," Miami Beach Fire Chief Digna Abello said in a statement obtained by the City of Miami Beach.
The VACC Camp, established in 1986 by Dr. Simpser, is the first initiative of its kind designed to support ventilation-assisted children and their families. Over the years, the camp has hosted more than 250 families from both local and international communities, providing an opportunity for connection and support. The annual beach day serves as a key event within the camp, offering families a chance to relax and bond.
The event has been held annually for nearly four decades, each year contributing to a growing collection of stories of bravery, resilience, kindness, and service. This year’s gathering continues that tradition by offering a space where the experience of a beach day goes beyond usual limitations. Medical professionals and volunteers from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital are present to provide support, ensuring that any medical needs are addressed.
