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When Lynne and Roger Cuva of St. Francis de Sales parish in Loudonville decided to open their home to an inner-city child, they expected the relationship to last a single week. 

Little did they know they were about to welcome a new member into their family.

In the months following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the U.S., Mrs. Cuva noticed an advertisement for the Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit agency which provides free summer experiences

in suburban or rural settings for New York City children from disadvantaged communities. 

Matched
Participating children spend a week of summer vacation living with a host family or at one of five Fresh Air camps.

"We just felt in our heart that we needed to give something back," explained Mrs. Cuva. She and her husband sent in an application and were matched up with Kalisa Barrett, a nine-year-old from the Bronx. 

In the summer of 2002, Kalisa spent a week at their home in Latham, enjoying a brief vacation from the noise and bustle of New York City.

I'll be back
Kalisa remembers fondly her first week spent with the Cuvas. She recalled Mrs. Cuva asking if she would like to visit a different family the following summer, to which Kalisa responded, "No, no! I'm coming back to you guys!"

This summer, at age 16, Kalisa spent her eighth vacation with the Cuva family.

Since 1877, the Fresh Air Fund has sent 1.7 million New York City children to host families and Fresh Air Fund camps. Host families from 13 northeastern states and Southern Ontario welcome 5,000 children into their homes each year. In the Albany area, 60 local families such as the Cuvas are participating this summer. 

While in Latham, Kalisa enjoys swimming in the Cuvas' backyard pool, bike riding and cookouts. During her visits, she has toasted marshmallows and played bocce ball for the first time. 

The family has also taken her to the Great Escape amusement park in Lake George, as well as to nearby lakes and carnivals. Mrs. Cuva explained that she and her husband make sure Kalisa experiences "things up here we take for granted, that she has never done."

"They spoil me," said Kalisa, laughing. "I have so much fun."

Suburban life
Kalisa also enjoys the quiet and peace of mind offered in the suburbs. "When you're in the city, you can't get away from the noise for very long," she said.

Kalisa is especially close with her host family's eight-year-old son, Ryan - but the close relationship between Kalisa and the Cuvas is not the exception. Sixty-five percent of all Fresh Air children are invited by their host family to return, summer after summer.

The Cuvas also keep in touch with Kalisa throughout the school year, frequently emailing, sending cards or calling. The family sends her a Christmas and birthday present each year.

Although children are only eligible for Fresh Air Fund vacations up through age 17, Kalisa is not worried about losing contact with the Cuvas after next summer.

"They're like a second family to me," she said. "After [next year], I'm going to make sure I keep in touch, and I am going to keep coming every summer." 

In fact, she added, Mrs. Cuva has been encouraging her to consider applying to colleges in the Albany area.

Come for college
"She's been talking about it since I turned 11," said Kalisa. "I'll put it on my list of colleges to look at."

Mrs. Cuva said Kalisa has truly become a member of the family, spending time with relatives and even calling her "Mom." During Kalisa's visit this year, Mrs. Cuva's young niece and nephew insisted on sleeping over to spend more time with their "cousin."

"They love her to pieces," said Mrs. Cuva.

Although Kalisa's visits have lasted up to two full weeks in past summers, this year she has an internship and could only stay for one. 

"She's a great kid," said Mrs. Cuva. "We'll miss her. She has brought even more love into our family."[[In-content Ad]]

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