- March 25, 2026
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Terri and Richard Schon knew their son, Alex Schon, never liked being on stage.
Ever since he was in elementary school, the 25-year-old refused to go on the stage for any event.
So when the Lift Disability staff members called the Breakaway Camp Retreat participants onto the stage, they were surprised to see Alex Schon — who was born with a rare, severe form of craniosynostosis called cloverleaf skull syndrome — not just find his way to the stage but run to it.
The Schons saw a level of confidence instilled in their son while at Lift Disability’s annual summer camp.
They were overjoyed watching their son sing along with the other campers on stage.
“At first, I was nervous, and then I was just really proud of him,” Terri Schon said. “More than just being proud, seeing him so proud of himself is the best part.”
Since attending the camp three years ago, Alex Schon has returned to camp every year.
Every January, the Schons register for the coming summer’s Lift Disability Breakaway Camp Retreat, waiting with anticipation for another summer of fun and inclusivity for the whole family.
Before the fun begins, the nonprofit, which focuses on assisting families with individuals with disabilities, will host the fifth annual Winter Garden Cornhole Tournament presented by State Farm (local) agents Saturday, April 11.
After attending Morning Star Catholic School for middle and high school, Terri Schon said the family was looking for a day program in town that would accommodate Alex Schons’ needs.
Once he wakes up, Alex Schon is able to prepare himself for the day, but after that, Terri Schon said he needs to be with someone.
“Day-to-day can be very isolating, and it could be difficult and very lonely if he doesn’t have someone to help engage him through activities during the day,” she said. “He loves to go out to eat. He loves to go to the movies. He loves country music and loves to go to concerts.”
The family began looking for resources and organizations that could provide services for Alex Schon. They found Lift Disability.
“We didn’t know anybody in the organization, so we really weren’t sure,” Terri Schon said. “But when we went to get in the car to leave, Alex said, ‘This is a good place for me. I’d be really happy here,’ which is not like Alex. He’s very trepidatious, kind of shy and doesn’t like to do new things all the time, so it was impressive he was that comfortable that quickly.”
Since he started the Elevate program, which is a Lift Disability day program, he has spent his days connecting with other individuals with disabilities and Lift Disability staff and volunteers.
“The disability world can be really small, so it’s hard to find people that are sincere and genuine and you can trust,” Terri Schon said. “There’s a lot of organizations out there, but there’s still not enough, and most organizations will cater toward a certain type of disability, but if you don’t fall within that realm, it’s tough. That’s the nice thing about Lift Disability. I think the biggest thing is they’re genuine. They truly care, and it’s a good fit for Alex.”
Through Lift Disability, Richard Schon said his son has made friends whom he talks to daily.
“For Alex, his whole world revolves around the people at Lift Disability,” Terri Schon said. “It’s an extension of our family.”
Three years ago, Alex Schon saw an advertisement for Breakaway Camp Retreat and instantly knew he wanted to go.
Terri Schon had no interest in camping, but she said her son doesn’t ask for much, so she signed the family up for the camp retreat.
By the end of the five-day, four-night trip, all the Schons could do on the drive home was talk about and plan for next year’s camp after a successful time that year.
“(Going home) was emotional because we were able to see him experience something so inclusive and so genuine,” Terri Schon said. “Just watching him have a good time like that in a very typical setting was really cool.”
Terri Schon said her son wouldn’t have a typical summer camp experience if it weren’t for Lift Disability. Breakaway gives him an opportunity to be independent and a “typical young adult with his friends.”
Each individual with a disability is partnered with a buddy who is with them from breakfast until bedtime. It allows the family members to do what they want for the week knowing their loved one is cared for and safe.
“Our focus is on families,” Lift Disability founder Jim Hukill said. “We come alongside them to encourage their journey through Disability Life. … The program was really developed in order for us to bring a sense of life and enjoyment back into their lives. We know there are several factors that come against the family in order for the family to be successful. Things like isolation and fatigue from all the caregiving, so Breakaway was actually designed as a way for them to do a family vacation together.”
Ryan Rouse, the senior director of operations and program director for Lift Disability, said the retreat is an opportunity for families to create memories while providing rest for caregivers. He said it’s also like a reunion for all the returning families who come from all over the state.
There are a plethora of activities for individuals with disabilities and their families. From a spa day to the dads being flown in a private plane over the camp to boat trips to fishing trips and more, the campers’ daily schedules are packed.
The nonprofit’s staff will customize and adapt activities to meet any individual’s disability, Rouse said.
“We like to say, ‘There’s no such thing as no at camp,’” Rouse said.
For a few years, individuals in wheelchairs were able to feel like they were flying when staff would valet them up 30 feet into the air surrounded by oak trees.
A favorite activity of Hukill and Rouse is the Eddy’s, a talent show named in honor of a camper who Hukill said was a showman, always putting smiles on people’s faces while singing.
Hukill said it’s a joy to be able to give campers a red carpet experience where everybody’s putting their talent on display.
The nonprofit’s staff also meet the campers where they are emotionally, physically and mentally on any given day at camp. Rouse recalled a camper wasn’t having a good day and didn’t want to leave her room, but they still wanted to create memories for her. So they brought a miniature horse into her room.
Bringing families in similar circumstances together, the caregivers have an opportunity to share their concerns about raising a child with a disability as well as tips and resources.
“You’re sitting down and talking to people that completely understand,” Sharon Hartten, Alex Schon’s grandmother, said.
Making Breakaway Camp Retreat happen every year isn’t cheap.
It costs the nonprofit at least $100,000 to coordinate the camp in Leesburg, Florida, for at least 20 families. Lift Disability provides scholarships for families who aren’t able to afford to go, ensuring as many families as possible can participate.
To support the camp, the nonprofit will be hosting the fifth annual Winter Garden Cornhole Tournament presented by State Farm (local) agents.
New this year is the car show, which is expected to have about 50 classic cars.
There also will be new elements to the kids’ zone, including water slides and face painting.
For the cornhole tournament, there will be two levels: advanced and novice. Both levels will have a cash prize for the winners.
The event also will feature raffles, food trucks and more.
Although donations always are welcome and needed to continue to provide families an excellent experience, Hukill and Rouse said volunteers also always are needed.
Hukill said he’s seen volunteers’ lives change because of their connections with Lift Disability families.
