When they get their wish, everything hits you that your child had to endure to get there. It's an amazing moment!
Bethany, Parker's mom
"We found out during pregnancy that something was wrong with Parker. Further testing revealed that he had a chromosome abnormality, and it was very rare, and they didn't expect him to live past a few weeks after he was born. He was born with head to toe congenital anomalies, many of which were life- threatening, some have been repaired through his life. He has heart conditions that at some point will require open-heart surgery that the doctors are very skeptical he'll make it through. He deals with chronic pneumonia, he's now legally blind, and unable to speak, but has the absolute most joy in life."
"He has a contagious smile, despite his chronic pain every day and can just light up the room with his laughter. He's had over 34 surgeries and numerous hospitalizations for illness. A doctor had mentioned Make a Wish a long time ago but we just never got around to applying. We actually found out he was getting a wish while in the PICU extremely sick and missing his junior prom, it was perfect timing!"
"We gave Parker picture options of his favorite things or people, and he constantly picked Mickey Mouse. We went to Florida in October and had the absolute best time ever, I definitely cried when he met Mickey! When they get their wish, everything hits you that your child had to endure to get there. It's an amazing moment! Give Kids the World village is also the greatest place on earth, its beautiful and everyone oozes love and kindness. It seriously is heaven."
"It was an amazing break from life to get spoiled and pampered and do things as a family you may never get to do. It was also so important for Parker's siblings, they need this time as much as the wish kids. Having his medical equipment at the village for us made life so much easier with traveling. The memories you make will be cherished and played over and over in your head for days to come!" -Parker's Mom
"Make-A-Wish gives these children and families an absolute gift of a lifetime. These kids earn these wishes, they are not just given. They get some time out of their life to be a family or a kid and not worry for a brief moment of therapy today or medical bills, or hospitalizations and who takes care of the other kids, etc. Then you walk away with memories and gifts to remind you of that time and help get you through the tough times yet to come." - Parker's Mom