Cam’s Wish Experience March 30, 2011

Earlier this month, I was able to experience another magical moment with Cams. This time the memory doesn’t involve a doctor’s office or a new diagnosis; it’s all about his wish trip.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan granted Cam’s wish to visit Give Kids The World

Village in Florida. I had heard a LOT about the village from people at Make-A-Wish, as well as online from families who had visited the village. Everyone had so many positive things to say whether or not they had actually visited GKTW. It sounded like a truly amazing

experience!

I was very excited that Cams was even able to have a wish granted. He was welcomed to the Make-A-Wish family in 2001 and over time, the wish had gotten away from the attention of the family. This was due to the change in diagnosis, school changes, and doctors/therapy appointments.  Make-A-Wish was able to reach out to the family about making the wish in 2010.

In early spring of 2010, I was asked about what kind of wish Cams might want to have. A few months later, the family found out that the wish would be granted in early 2011. Later on, we found out the exact date and started planning!

I knew about the general concepts of wishes to GKTW – it’s a special place designed specifically for wish kids from different wish-granting organizations (read about general GKTW information here) who want to provide a cost-free fun and memorable experience for the family. They have welcomed over 100,000 families, and we were next!

Getting out of snowy Michigan was amazing. We landed and were picked up righ away to get to GKTW! The first thing I noticed was how true everything I had heard about GKTW actually was. The village was full of volunteers and families who were having wishes granted and were enjoying their time at the village. When we pulled into GKTW, all that you see are streets full of villas with Welcome Home signs in front of them, welcoming each family back from their busy day.

When we arrived at Cam’s place, he had the biggest smile on his face! He was so excited to see us! The entire family packed up and went to Universal Studios for the day. Cams was able to go on a few rides, as well as meet a few characters, including the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 & 2. We stayed at the park as long as we could until it was time for Cams to head home and to bed.

Saturday morning, all of us woke up early to head to Disney. Cams was going to have breakfast with the characters that morning. The experience was awesome – Cams met his favorite characters from Winnie the Pooh and had a smile on his face the whole time! He loved meeting all of the characters; especially Tigger.

After breakfast, Cams met the mayor, who gave us all kinds of ideas on what to do next. First up, the celebration that was happening on Main Street! Everyone was dancing and having a great time! The rest of the day was spent walking around Disney and going on even more rides! Cams loved going through the Haunted Mansion and on the boat through Adventure Island!

After spending the day at Disney, the family headed back to GKTW for dinner at the Gingerbread House. For me, the dinner was the highlight of the trip. As you know, Cams can’t talk. At one point, Cams looked me right in the eye and smiled. The expression on his face said so much – I think that if he could talk, he would have said something about how much fun he was having, and how happy he was. Next to Cam’s walking machine experience, this is my favorite memory with him!

Sunday was my last day in Florida (Cams stayed until Tuesday) so we stayed at GKTW and had lunch after playing a round of putt-putt golf. This was Cam’s first time playing, and it looked like he was able to get the hang of it with a little help from his older brother!

We all have different favorite memories from the wish. As stated before, Cam’s smile at dinner was my favorite. Cam’s  brother loved the character breakfast, and Cam’s mom enjoyed making the star and hanging it up at Give Kids The World.

We’re all so thankful to have had the opportunity to experience Cam’s wish. More information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation, check out their website.