Another milestone that we are reaching by Hannah becoming 2-1/2 years old (in just a few days) is that she is eligible for the Make-A-Wish program.
What kind of wish would Hannah make? It isn’t something we could ask her, obviously. The one thing that keeps coming into our mind is Walt Disney World and spending time with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Being able to see all the lights and music, she would just love all of that since those are the two things she loves interacting with most.
After hearing the amazing stories from Cooper and other families who have done Walt Disney World, I am just blown away by the care and services available to kids like Hannah with significant medical needs. From the Give Kids the World hotel to the first-class treatment in preparing for those “in case of emergencies”…. it is not something we could ever give to Hannah by ourselves.
Also, with something like this, we can go at Hannah’s pace. We don’t have to rush to get everything in, but we can take it in slowly, giving her the breaks she needs to rest.
This type of setup would also give Ethan and Abigail a chance at being treated like royalty as well. They so deserve something like that. Hannah’s disease affects their lives directly in so many ways. They have sacrificed so much these past two years in terms of activities because of Hannah’s condition, time spent with us, etc., that I would love to be able to give them something like this.
All Make-A-Wish activities are designed for siblings as well as the wish child. We know that your other children are experiencing grief, anger and deprivation from this illness also; and a wish can provide at least one outcome that is positive and fun for everyone.
Reality is that we would never be able to spend time as a family at a place like this on our own. Hannah’s medical needs are just too significant. But to be in the care of professionals who work with these kids all the time, who prepare for kids like Hannah…that type of gift would be immeasurable.
She may not be able to go on many of the rides (probably just the little kiddie ones with us), I don’t think that will matter. The sites, the sounds, and yes, Mickey and Minnie would just be good enough for her!
They want us to contact them as soon as she turns 2-1/2, January 25th.
Oh Carrie, I hope and pray that your family is granted this wish. What a wonderful memory for you all. Please keep us posted and let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
I so hope you all are able to go! It would indeed be a special and memorable trip.
i already talked to them about addy as well i have to call in march, but we should both go at the same time and let the kids meet that would be amazing!
Hi Carrie – I would do it… I have a close friend here who’s family left just this morning for Disney via Make A Wish. She has 8 year old triplets and 1 of the boys is special needs with a mitochindrial mysterious disease. They also have a 4 year old. Make A Wish is setting them up with everything, taking care of every possible need & want, it’s incredible 🙂 All 6 of them are going to have an amazing time – and like you said without Make A Wish providing financial, medical, and logistical support it would not have been possible. Do it!!! Love from Jill & the crew
Yes, yes! Let’s try and plan that! The girls are only a month apart. I think having Payton and Bryce being able to have Ethan and Abby to play with would be wonderful for them.
yes so im deff going to talk to them about that. pay and bryce want to go so bad and i think they deserve it for all the things thery miss out on because i cant take them because addy.,and addy loves mickey mouse she watches it and gets so excited! oh yay that would be awesome!
YES! You will all LOVE it! And our big kids so so so deserve the amazingnes of the week that MAW and GKTW provide to them! Even when Cooper was passed out in his chair asleep, the big kids continued to have so so so much fun and all of us enjoyed every moment. You will make unbelievable memories and the ability to just get away from it all and have fun as a family without worries is extraoridinary!
Carrie. Are you guys going to stay at Give kids the World? We loved it.
IDK–after living vicariously thru Cooper’s MAW trip to Disney world…..
You know, meeting another family IS a possibility! When my Tobey did his wish, we were able to coordinate it with his buddy in WI (who also has SB)’s wish. They flew both families in at the same time. It was an experience NONE of us will EVER forget. We stayed at GKTW too and I do agree that the siblings got as much out of it as the wish makers! 🙂