Joey's All Smiles in Disney

Dear Make-A-Wish,

"As I sit here and think of all the things I am thankful for I count the Make-A-Wish Foundation as one of them.  Our family wanted to send you a heartfelt message of thanks for granting Joey's wish to go to Disney World.  The trip was a wonderful time for our family.  We were able to relax and put the stress of Joey's disease to the side for that time.  It was very heartwarming to see my children smiling and enjoying themselves!  Our time in Disney was truly magical! We really felt as if we had been transported to another world.  We appreciate all the time and effort it took to plan everything from the plane flight to the accommodations.  Everyone at Give Kids The World was so helpful.  We couldn't have asked for a better place to be!  We will certainly never forget our trip.  It will be something we will carry close to our heart, no matter what the future may hold.  Thank you for the precious memories you have given to us."         - Joey's Family 

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~   Sammy Gets Ready to Meet a Celebrity

Sammy's wish was not a hard decision.  When our wish granters meet with this positive young man, he just knew he wanted to meet Bill Gaithers.  A source of inspiration to him during his illness, meeting Gaithers was his one and only wish.  Upon arrival at the Giant Center, in Hershey, PA  Sammy and his family were taken back stage to meet Bill Gaithers AND, to everyone's surprise, join them for dinner!  What a thrill!  After dinner, Sammy hung out back stage during the production.  Then all of a sudden...Sammy found himself center stage, singing along with Bill Gaithers during Homecoming Concert! Wow..what a wish!!

 Patrick Meets the Whole Disney Gang!

"To say thank you doesn't even begin to cover how we feel.  When the manager of the theater learned that Patrick's wish was to meet Jesse, Woody and Bullseye from Toy Story, he closed the building after the show so Patrick and his brother Adam, could spend time with the characters.  This was an amazing experience for the boys, it brought tears to my eyes and the employees.

Although Patrick was the wish child, the benefits that our family received are priceless.  I cannot tell you how relaxed I felt not having to be Patrick's advocate, secretary or chauffeur for the week.  It has been a long time since I felt like I was Patrick's "mommy."  This trip gave me that feeling back and I am grateful for that.  My husband did not feel any financial burdens as he normally does, and Adam was so happy to be with everyone again and that we became a normal family.

Granting Patrick his wish has had such a positive effect on our family that I never thought possible.  It's such a refreshing feeling and we learned a lot about each other.  I don't know how we could ever thank all of you for what you do.  I simply hope that our thanks and joy is enough to continue granting wishes."

    - With sincere gratitude, Patrick's Mom & Family

"My son,  Kyle, was diagnosed with Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy.  This was very tragic for our family knowing what the disease does to a person.  A few months later I received a phone call saying Kyle was eligible to receive a wish from the Foundation.  I will never forget Kyle's eyes when he saw Mickey Mouse and was able to stand with him!  Thank you to everyone for allowing our family to spend this special time together with Kyle. Everything Make-A-Wish gave us was very, very special.  This will always hold a special place in our hearts and it would have never happened without Make-A-Wish and all of their wonderful sponsors and volunteers."    - Kyle's Mom & Family