Join us on Saturday, August 17 at the Sheraton Hartford South Hotel in Rocky Hill, CT, for our First Connections Family Retreat. After the official programming on Saturday, families will enjoy a day of fun nearby, at Lake Compounce Water & Amusement Park, courtesy of NEHA!

This event was created to bring families together in a relaxed, child-friendly setting to ease the anxiety surrounding a recent bleeding disorder diagnosis through education and targeted activities. Through this program, we aim to create an environment where families can receive peer support from other families in similar situations while also learning more about bleeding disorder care and treatment.

Who Can Attend?

• Families with a child, age 10 and under, who has been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder.
• All family members are invited to attend; including the patient child, their parents, and siblings.

Agenda Overview

• Friday, August 16 – Arrival (no official programming)
  • Families can arrive at any time on Friday. Room check-in begins at 3 PM.
  • Dinner will not be provided. There is a restaurant in the hotel if you choose to eat there.
  • Families can enjoy the pool on Friday evening, or just get settled in their rooms.
• Saturday, August 17 – Official Programming
  • 8 AM: Registration and Breakfast begins
  • 9 AM: Programming begins
    • Childcare will be provided on site during adult educational sessions
    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided on Saturday.
  • 8 PM: Official programming concludes after dinner ends.
• Sunday, August 18 – Field Trip to Lake Compounce
  • 9 AM: Families will receive vouchers for breakfast on Sunday morning that can be used at the hotel restaurant.
  • 10:30 AM: Depart for Field Trip to Lake Compounce.
    • NEHA will cover the cost of admission to those who attend the retreat.
    • We hope this activity will allow for families to build connections in a fun environment.
    • All attendees are expected to attend the amusement park on Sunday. If you anticipate this being an issue for your family, please reach out to Diane Bruno, at [email protected].
    • The amusement park is a 25-minute drive from the hotel.
      • Families are expected to drive themselves to the park.
      • Please check out of your hotel room before departing.
    • Families can leave Lake Compounce at any time. The park closes at 7 PM.

Event Overview

• Hotel Room: NEHA will reserve and cover the cost of a hotel room for each family attending this event, for both Friday and Saturday nights. Attendees do not need to reserve the room themselves.
  • Each family will be given a room with two queen beds. Rollaway beds and cribs are available upon request, and requests can be noted when registering below.
• Parking: Ample free parking is available onsite.
• Attire: Feel free to dress casually and comfortably for the weekend.
  • The hotel has a pool that you are invited to use on Friday evening. Please come prepared with a bathing suit and swimming necessities if you wish.
• Weather: Sunday at Lake Compounce will be a rain or shine event. Please come prepared to stay for the day with sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, rain gear, or any other items you wish to bring.

Registration

• This event is free to all 2024 NEHA members.
• The cost for non-NEHA members is $25 per person. Become a member here.

Health and Wellness

• Please do not attend this event if you have tested positive for COVID-19, the flu, RSV, or have cold-like symptoms.
• NEHA strongly recommends that anyone eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine be fully vaccinated prior to attending any event.
• If you have any questions or concerns regarding these guidelines, or need to cancel your registration due to illness, please contact: [email protected].

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your registration within one week of the event or do not show up for the event, you will be charged a $30 per person fee. If you are experiencing a personal or medical emergency, please contact us to discuss: [email protected].