Having a child with a serious medical condition brings uncertainty, stress and scary moments. A small silver lining in our journey has been learning about different organizations that are out there to help kids feel like kids, as they navigate through challenges they should never have to face. One of these organizations is Make-A-Wish, a non-profit that grants wishes to kids with life threatening illnesses.

This spring, we had the most amazing Make-A-Wish trip for Jake and our family. Jake’s choice for a wish changed a few times, but ultimately he decided on the classic wish to go to Disney World and Universal Studios. We were able to stay at Give Kids the World Village, which provides housing, food, and entertainment to wish families. They thought of every detail and made it all so special. We were able to leave our worries back in Kansas for the week and truly relax. Highlights from our trip:

🕹️ Surprise reveal party at Dave and Buster’s

🍦 All the ice cream and treats. The village even has a cookie golf cart driving around in the evening, delivering milk and cookies before bed

⚽️ Special stop to the Pele Store at Disney Springs for Jake’s soccer fix

🌟 Placing Jake’s star in the Castle of Miracles. All wish children who stay here have their name placed among the stars, so they will never be forgotten

💙 Making the best memories to carry us through the difficult days ahead

We want to extend a huge thank you to Dave & Busters, Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas and Give Kids the World for a once in a lifetime trip! 

– Shelley Hanna