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On March 10 at 9 a.m., Franny’s Friends will be hosting an event at the Ramstein Air Base Reel Time theatre in the KMCC Exchange showing the Greatest Showman! Admission will be covered for 20 handicapable and EFMP children in Kindergarten through grade 12. A parent or guardian is required to attend. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot by contacting Franny’s Friends on the organization’s Facebook Page.
About Franny’s Friends by Geoff Carmichael:
I started Franny’s Friends as an homage to my late sister, Frances, who had Down Syndrome. For a kid that was considered handicapped, she lived a full life. Before deploying to Afghanistan, my commander allowed me to take a weekend pass back to Maine to attend her graduation in case something were to happen to me while I was gone. However, not even a month into the deployment, I was rushed home when I found out my sister had been involved in a vehicle accident. At her funeral, I learned she had a lot more friends that I knew she had. They came in the forms of school liaisons, therapists, workers in the community and people around town that simply befriended her. I was so grateful to know she was tied into her community and there were many people outside of our home that cared so much about her.
Franny’s Friends in the KMC was started to give parents a network of friends at regular activities for their handicapable kids to participate without fear of judgment. The organization was started to help parents network and most importantly, build friendships that are otherwise non-existent. Parents attending can share their joys and successes as well as challenges and hardships. Franny’s Friends is tied in with the Kaiserslautern EFMP so people are aware of resources and activities available beyond Franny’s Friends.
I want kids in the KMC to have the same happy years my sister had in her teenage years. She only lived to be 20 but had a healthy and fulfilling personal life because sincere people cared enough to be her friend. Franny’s Friends activities are open to children in grades K-12. It’s a great opportunity to give back to wonderful families that fill this community.
