What it meant to me

[PhilHarHarMagic]

Our last day in the park was Thursday. I noticed something this trip differently than I ever have before. It was the kids that were there from organizations like “Make A Wish”. It impacted me most when we were in lines for character greetings, and a group would move to the front of the line in order to spend some time with the characters. All of the cast members would be so supportive and the characters would be so attentive. It broke my heart every time.

I have added a special prayer to my prayer list to help me remember this feeling every day. I'm also going to put my money where my mouth is and find a way to help these folks.

[pogo]

I know exactly what you mean and I'm glad you want to help financially. May I make a few suggestions for every one ?

Please send in your donations directly to one of the following.

Make a Wish Foundation.

Saint Judes Hospital.

The Aflac Childrens Cancer Center, my favorite.

These Non Profit Organizations can really use the money to help a child find happiness and a cure.

[SgtTigger]

Before the strom the Louisiana State Police in My area would have a walk and run for the Make a Wish Foundation....

I would come out on my off time and work traffic control every year for the event......


I do miss that........

[cjb121879]

I'm glad you shared this story. It is wonderful what this organization does for sick children. A younger cousin of mine was a lucky beneficiary of one of the Make-A-Wish trips to WDW. She died of leukemia at age 14, but that trip was something she remembered fondly.

I was so impressed with the foundation, I made Make-A-Wish a beneficiary of my bi-weekly contribution to the CFC, the federal government's annual charity drive.

[Jenemmy]

What a great post! Thanks for that.

Although I can thankfully say that I do not have a child with a terminal illness, I do have a disabled child. Let me tell you, trips to Disney are not only wonderful in that I get to see him so joyful, but for me and my dh....I have to say that it just feels nice to be "normal" like that. Normally, lives are filled with structure, appointments, therapists etc....and to break away and just enjoy vacations like any other family is a beautiful thing. I can imagine it would be the same for these special families.

Your posting your intent was inspiring for me -- bet it will be for lots of others, too.....

[Mickey'sGirl]

I'm also going to put my money where my mouth is and find a way to help these folks.

I think you just did.

Thanks for your post.

[King Triton]

It does make you appreciate life when you see the "Make a Wish" kids there. Especially when you realize that for many of them, they won't be going back.

Makes you wonder why so many of us worry about what row of Soarin' we're on...

[Niecyboo]

My Nephew was able to take one of these trips as well, in 2001, and stayed at the most amazing place in Orlando called "Give Kids the World." It's an actually "resort" like place just for terminally ill kids. It was one of the last "normal" things he got to do. He spent the next 6 months with this wonderful memory, and even now, years later, my sister has these amazing memories of there last vacation together. These are the most amazing organizations, and Disney does such a wonderful job making it the most special time.

[iluvdizney2]

PhilHarHarMagic, I sent you a Private Message, but I wanted to also thank you for helping and praying for make a wish kids. We are a family who has been to Disney on a wish trip...a few actually. I can honestly say when you are at a place and you see a blue button with the words make a wish on it, it immediately sets the family apart from the norm, often it ends up being negative.
Life is too short, and unpreditable in many respects, and I want to thank you for taking the few moments to notice a button, and not get upset, but instead to be humbled enough to make a difference in some other kids life.

I just wanted to let you know what you are doing WILL make a difference.

[Bruegge]

It seems to never fail that when I'm most upset with one of my DD's 8-3 I look around and see a child in a "special" wheelchair or those Ms type crutch-walkers.

Every time I have to fight back tears and wonder what the hell I'm so upset about.

I'm blessed with 2 smart, healthy little girls and .... Well

you get the message

Scott