On Saturday, April 5th, laughter and love filled the air at Frying Pan Park in Herndon, Virginia, as Special Love welcomed our youngest warriors and their families to our annual Under 7 Family Day. This special event is designed just for children with cancer and survivors under the age of seven, offering a chance for them—and their families—to connect, play, and discover the heart of Special Love.

The day began with warm welcomes and sunny smiles as families arrived on the farm. We kicked things off with a sweet family craft activity: creating colorful octopuses with legs representing each member of the family. It was the perfect way to spark creativity and celebrate the bonds that hold these brave families together.

Afterward, parents and children split into separate groups to enjoy tailored activities. While the parents participated in a calming and meaningful art therapy session led by a Special Love staff member, the kids dove into their own undersea adventure—crafting their own watery worlds and giggling through a joyful bubble-blowing bonanza outside.

Lunch brought everyone back together to share stories and smiles over a delicious meal. A huge thank you to Firehouse Subs of Reston for generously providing lunch at a significant discount—it was the fuel that kept our fun going strong!

But the fun didn’t stop there—our afternoon was packed with whimsy and wonder! Children transformed into their favorite animals and characters with the help of talented face painters, balloon artists twisted up magical creations, and families sat for caricature drawings that captured the joy of the day.

Next, we all hopped aboard for wagon rides around the park, taking in the charm of the farm. And to top it all off, the day ended with laughter and spinning delight on the carousel—a perfect finale to a day filled with connection and cheer.

Under 7 Family Day isn’t just about the fun (though there’s plenty of that!). It’s also a gentle introduction to the Special Love community—a chance for families to learn more about our year-round programs, meet other parents and children who understand their journey, and begin building relationships that can last a lifetime.

We’re so grateful to the families who joined us, to the staff and incredible volunteers—especially the amazing students from Alpha Phi Omega (APO), the national service fraternity chapter at George Washington University—who helped make the day magical. And of course, thank you to everyone who continues to support Special Love’s mission. We believe in the power of play, the importance of connection, and the strength of every child and family we serve.

To learn more about our upcoming events and how you can be part of the Special Love family, visit https://specialove.org/events/.