What's the meaning of a Moon Moment?

A Moon Moment lies at the heart of Beyond the Moon. It’s not a luxury and it’s more than a simple holiday. It’s a chance to pause, to breathe, and to invest in wellbeing, resilience, and connection.

During a Moon Moment, a family with a seriously ill child can pause for a while. No hospitals, no schedules, no worries — just rest, time together, and the chance to reconnect. What is taken for granted by many is often out of reach for these families. Beyond the Moon makes it possible again.

Every week, all year round, we offer one family a fully supported Moon Moment — a weekend, midweek, or full week, tailored to the needs of the child and their family. We start from their needs, not from what is available. From transport to accommodation with meals, from practical medical support to the smallest details: everything is taken care of.

Every “Moon Moment” is unique, but the feeling is always the same: simply being a family again.

Stories from our Moon Families

Een glimlach die straalt, sterker …
Een droom is een wens vanuit het …
Je voelt je als gezin gezien en …
Erbij horen, even niets moeten …
Pinokkio bezorgde Otto een magisch …
Samen genieten en weer ademen …
Zijn glimlach spreekt boekdelen …
Warmte, ontspanning en kostbare …
De kracht achter een stralende …
Geluk in zijn puurste vorm …
Kostbare herinneringen buiten de …
Herinneringen die helen – omdat …

Who is eligible?

As our resources are limited, we prioritise supporting the families who need a Moon Moment the most. Each application is therefore carefully reviewed in close consultation with the primary care physician and the medical team.

Sick child between 3 and 18 years

The family has not previously received a similar complimentary family stay.

The child is frequently hospitalised and undergoing medical treatment:

The need or request concerns a multi-day stay with a dedicated Beyond the Moon holiday partner.

The illness has a significant emotional and financial impact.

The child is medically fit to travel and has written approval from the treating physician.

All family members are covered by travel and medical insurance.

The journey to a Moon Moment

Na medische goedkeuring werken we voor elk gezin een traject op maat uit. We vertrekken daarbij vanuit de noden van het gezin, niet vanuit het aanbod. Privacy and trust are at the heart of everything we do. All information is handled with the utmost confidentiality. Privacy and trust are at the heart of everything we do. All information is handled with the utmost confidentiality.

Each Moon Family follows a carefully guided journey, from application to complete peace of mind. Beyond the Moon takes care of everything from A to Z, allowing families to pause and rediscover time together.

After the holiday, the family is invited to share a testimonial about their experience, as a gesture of thanks to the supporter who made this Moon Moment possible. Sharing these heartfelt stories of Moon Families is essential to the continued existence and growth of Beyond the Moon.

“Beyond the Moon gave us something no one can ever take away: time together. Even after we lost our child, those days continue to bring us comfort.”

Pieter from Schriek
went with his family to the Ardennes

Testimonials from healthcare professionals

Tijd voor elkaar, zonder medische …
Jullie brengen kleur aan het leven …
Een zeldzame pauze in die intense …

Frequently asked questions

This varies from family to family. Each application is carefully reviewed in consultation with healthcare professionals. Only after written medical approval has been obtained, and when everything can be arranged safely and practically, we plan the Moon Moment. The lead time is usually between around four weeks and two months, sometimes longer. In urgent or palliative situations, we may shorten this timeframe where possible. This depends, among other things, on the child’s health condition and treatment, the availability of our holiday partners, and any additional medical or practical needs. We always take the necessary time to ensure that each Moon Moment is feasible, safe, and truly free of worry for the family.

A Moon Moment is entirely free of charge and worry for the family. Beyond the Moon takes care of everything from start to finish. We only ask for limited administrative follow-up to organise the stay, and, afterwards, a testimonial about their experience. This feedback is essential to strengthen our work and to show supporters the difference their contribution makes. Family testimonials are vital to the continued existence and growth of Beyond the Moon. In this way, families can focus fully on what truly matters: finding rest and spending meaningful time together.

Each Moon Moment is carefully designed in close consultation with the family and the primary care physician. We listen to the needs of the child and the family and look, within our network of trusted holiday partners, for the best possible match. Families are welcome to share their preferences, but we do not start from a free choice of destination.

Because we work with limited resources and aim to offer as many families as possible a moment of breathing space, each family is granted one Moon Moment. In this way, we can distribute our support fairly and in a spirit of solidarity. Our goal is to provide 52 families each year with a carefree Moon Moment — one per week. The more support we can build together with our partners and donors, the more families we can offer rest and renewed resilience. For every family, that one moment becomes a unique light to carry forward.

Still have questions? We’re here to help — get in touch.

Refer a family

How to make a Moon Moment happen: complete the form below.

Our holiday partners

Beyond the Moon works with trusted holiday partners who share our mission and help create a truly worry-free Moon Moment, where rest, joy, and time together take centre stage.

Disneyland Paris - since 2005

Center Parcs - since 2005

Park Molenheide - since 2010

Plopsa Resort De Panne - since 2024

Connections - since 2016