Charlie

At just 5-months-old, Charlie’s parents heard the devastating news, “your son has cancer.”  His treatments began immediately and since then he’s been through it all – more pokes than one should endure, surgery, chemo, biopsies, and far too much time in a hospital room.  Charlie and his three older siblings and parents started thinking about a wish when he was three. When our volunteer Wish Wizards first greeted Charlie, he said in return, “Disney World!” That was it, not hello, just “Disney World”. We immediately got to work planning his magical wish trip.  Unfortunately, Charlie had to endure even more setbacks before his wish was to come true.  We worked with his parents to plan, and then reschedule, his wish THREE times since his Disney wish was decided.  This little guy has been through a cancer diagnosis, remission, a relapse, a bone marrow transplant, and a pandemic!  Through it all, this sweet boy kept on smiling and his adoring family remained hopeful that their Disney trip would come true – and we’re happy to report that in September 2021, we made it happen!  Charlie had lots of favorites from his trip, but especially loved the Avatar Ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and rode it multiple times.  The family also enjoyed a few parties at Give Kids The World and received so many gifts from the Village Gift Fairy that they had to buy an extra suitcase for the trip home!  Charlie will continue to be tested every two months and is enduring another bone marrow biopsy and lumbar puncture; however, we hope the memories from his wish trip continue to bring joy.  Wishing you well, Charlie!  Keep smiling!