Condos for Kids brings the ‘vacation’ to Jessielee

Jessielee Robinson’s surprised smile said it all.

Robinson is a 21-year-old that lives with the disabling effects of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic, degenerative disease that primarily affects voluntary muscles.

Jessie has not been far past the confines of his home in Freeport, where he has been bedridden for the past three years of his life.

“He’s just a big kid trapped in this body,” says Jessielee’s mother, Terry Robinson.

Jessie is not expected to live to see his next birthday in August but is a lot like other men his age. He chats on the computer, plays games on PlayStation 3 and loves wrestling.

So when the Destin-based charity, The Condos for Kids Foundation, Inc., learned about Jessie’s condition, they went to work.

Condos for Kids provides an all-expense paid vacation for children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses and their families. The vacation in

Destin includes a one week stay in a donated condo, fun at local attractions, beach gifts and dining at area restaurants.

“My goal was to provide what he hasn’t done in years,” says Missy Wells, executive director for Condos for Kids. “I wanted him to see the beach and hear the birds.”

Wells began organizing the task force to give Jessie a vacation.

However, Jessielee’s condition caused last minute concerns about making a successful transport from his home to the condo.

“Jessie’s vacation wasn’t going to happen anymore,” says Wells.

Making her calls to diffuse the fallen plans, another idea sparked.

“I suggested to Missy to do a barbeque instead and she took off with it,” says Tommy Thompson, a lieutenant at the South Walton Fire District.

South Walton was originally set to transport Jessielee to the condo.

After more collaboration, the barbecue was on.

Thompson gathered a grill donated by Gauttler & Gauttler, Inc. of Chipley and Amenity Services, Inc. gave $150 to cover the food and supplies.
Jessielee Robinson never saw it coming.

“Surprise!” was the next thing Jessie heard as Robinson threw open the curtains to reveal the well-wishers that were setting up outside of the bay window.

Condos for Kids also teamed up with the Dream Foundation out of Santa Barbara to give Jessie a gift basket of World Wresting Entertainment, Inc. memorabilia containing DVDs, shirts, hats and other items autographed by professional wrestlers.

All of the improvisations paid off.

Robinson says that Jessie was completely surprised and his day was made.

“He’s still taking about it.”