>> yes.? yes. >> high five. >> reporter: what's the best part about coming here today? >> i like being with my friends and stuff. >> reporter: but future trips like this are in doubt. the center is struggling to stay open, hurt by covid and then the unexpected death of its 35-year- old founder nyome kamara's death from sickle cell disease. why did she do this work? >> growing up with sickle cell for her she felt like a burden, and she never wanted anyone to feel rejected or alone. >> i miss my wife. it hurts. it hurts. >> reporter: nyome's husband sidikie kamara. >> we're not going to turn anybody down. anybody disabled. >> tomorrow's their birthday! yay!