Gracie Rae’s Wish Trip to Disney World
February 21, 2008

Four-year-old Gracie was born with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, which is an underdevelopment of the left ventricle of the heart. Her dream wish was to go to Disney World in Orlando, to see Mickey Mouse and her favorite Disney princess characters. Her wish came true when she and her family spent a whole week there, and stayed in a place designed for children like Gracie named Give Kids The World Village. Gracie and her family stayed in a lavish two bedroom, two bathroom villa surrounded by shady trees, scenic lakes and shooting fountains. She was also able to play in her very own theme park placed right in the center of the village, complete with a giant video arcade, shiny carousel, movie theater filled with all of the snacks you can eat, ice cream parlor, horseback riding and more! The fun didn’t stop there. Gracie received complimentary tickets to all of the theme parks in the area, and was able to skip the lines for the rides as many times as she wanted! “They let me drive the race cars and I’m only 4!” she said. Gracie met her favorite Disney characters including the princess characters, Belle from Beauty & The Beast, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. She even got to dress up like a princess and take pictures with them!

All of the characters in the theme park were so sweet to Gracie, and helped make her experience at Disney World a dream come true. She did not want her magical wish to end! “On our last night of vacation, we decided to stop at Golden Corral. There was a long line of people waiting to enter. Gracie let go of my hand and wiggled herself all the way to the front of the line, said Katie, Gracie’s mom. “I called to her that she would have to come back to me and wait in line. She turned around, held up her ‘special needs’ badge, smiled and very innocently asked, “Why?” During that wonderful week you made her feel like she was the most special child on earth. After everything she has endured in her short little life, she deserves to feel that way.” Even Corey, Gracie’s twelve year-old brother had a heart-touching experience. ” Since Gracie Rae was born we have not been able to go to a theme park because of her frail health and low energy,” said Katie. “She will never know any difference, but Corey has made a lot of sacrifices. Thank you for letting him be a little boy again and take in all life has to offer.”

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Jason, Mackensie and I have the wonderful opportunity to participate in Make A Wish's 2009 Walk for Wishes. Our goal as walkers is to raise $100 toward making the wishes of other children come true. If you would like to help us reach that goal, please visit our fundraising site at https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=280197&lis=1&kntae280197=C353AD11610141CC94C8EEE1D9F14C2C&supId=255705542