MomOfAnAngel
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2012
Hi, I'm fairly new to the Disboards and have not posted yet, but my husband Indykjt posted a quick introduction on the disabilities thread and I'm sure we'll take turns updating this thread. We received a call from MAW confirming that Braden will receive a wish and are excited to start planning. 
We haven't met with the wish granters yet, but we're 99% sure that he will wish for Disney as that is all he has talked about since getting out of the hospital a few weeks ago. We've tried to plan trips in the past, but have always had to change the plans, usually due to medical issues. I love all the information available here so we can plan as stress free a trip as possible.
Here is our Cast of Characters for our trip:
Braden- Our spunky 7 year old and the reason for this wish trip. Braden was born with Spina Bifida, severe hydrocephalus, and an Arnold Chiari malformation. We knew of Bradens condition well before birth because we had a son in 2002 that was born with the same conditions and passed away after 43 days due to the severity of his issues. After a lot of testing while I was pregnant with Braden I was told by the doctors that there is no way he could survive and I should consider termination of the pregnancy. 7 years later and Braden is a fabulous, vibrant little boy who doesnt let anything stop him. Hes had several surgeries over the years, the most recent one this past May that should have resulted in about a week in the hospital but ended up being 37 days because his digestive system just wanted to shut down. The doctors seem to have gotten that under control and he is finally able to eat all of his meals by mouth as of earlier this week!!
Sierra Our 13 year old, drama queen and the best big sister ever. Sierra was 4 when her brother Nathan passed away and was amazingly strong throughout his short life. She was 7 when Braden was born and has the strongest bond with him and is extremely protective. She spends as many nights as I will allow at the hospital with him whenever he is inpatient. She is his mini mom and does a great job whenever I am not around.
Sierra and Braden during his last hospital stay.
Becky Thats me, mom to a couple of crazy kids and wife to Kevin. I havent worked outside of the home in a few years because with a child whose needs change frequently and who has appointments weekly I couldnt be at work and available to Braden at all times as needed. I am also a full time student right now studying special education so I can make sure my son receives the best education possible for him. I have never been to Disney, but have always loved everything Disney so I am very excited to be able to go on this trip with my family.
Kevin Dad, and mega Disney Cars fanatic. We have a wall in our bedroom that is all die-cast cars from the movie. He is also the founder and director of Nathans Playroom, which is a charity we started in memory of our son to help provide sibling support services for siblings of critically or chronically ill children. He has been to Disney once when he was about Bradens age, but doesnt remember much. He is as excited as the kids are I think.
There aren't a lot of pictures with all of us in them but dad and I are behind Sierra and Braden getting ready to tell Braden's story to a group of college kids raising money for our hospital.
We haven't met with the wish granters yet, but we're 99% sure that he will wish for Disney as that is all he has talked about since getting out of the hospital a few weeks ago. We've tried to plan trips in the past, but have always had to change the plans, usually due to medical issues. I love all the information available here so we can plan as stress free a trip as possible. Here is our Cast of Characters for our trip:
Braden- Our spunky 7 year old and the reason for this wish trip. Braden was born with Spina Bifida, severe hydrocephalus, and an Arnold Chiari malformation. We knew of Bradens condition well before birth because we had a son in 2002 that was born with the same conditions and passed away after 43 days due to the severity of his issues. After a lot of testing while I was pregnant with Braden I was told by the doctors that there is no way he could survive and I should consider termination of the pregnancy. 7 years later and Braden is a fabulous, vibrant little boy who doesnt let anything stop him. Hes had several surgeries over the years, the most recent one this past May that should have resulted in about a week in the hospital but ended up being 37 days because his digestive system just wanted to shut down. The doctors seem to have gotten that under control and he is finally able to eat all of his meals by mouth as of earlier this week!!
Sierra Our 13 year old, drama queen and the best big sister ever. Sierra was 4 when her brother Nathan passed away and was amazingly strong throughout his short life. She was 7 when Braden was born and has the strongest bond with him and is extremely protective. She spends as many nights as I will allow at the hospital with him whenever he is inpatient. She is his mini mom and does a great job whenever I am not around.
Sierra and Braden during his last hospital stay.
Becky Thats me, mom to a couple of crazy kids and wife to Kevin. I havent worked outside of the home in a few years because with a child whose needs change frequently and who has appointments weekly I couldnt be at work and available to Braden at all times as needed. I am also a full time student right now studying special education so I can make sure my son receives the best education possible for him. I have never been to Disney, but have always loved everything Disney so I am very excited to be able to go on this trip with my family.
Kevin Dad, and mega Disney Cars fanatic. We have a wall in our bedroom that is all die-cast cars from the movie. He is also the founder and director of Nathans Playroom, which is a charity we started in memory of our son to help provide sibling support services for siblings of critically or chronically ill children. He has been to Disney once when he was about Bradens age, but doesnt remember much. He is as excited as the kids are I think.
There aren't a lot of pictures with all of us in them but dad and I are behind Sierra and Braden getting ready to tell Braden's story to a group of college kids raising money for our hospital.
We all have to sit down and figure out exactly what everyone "needs" to see so we can come up with a plan of attack. The only thing I know for sure right now is a trip to Hollywood and Vine is a must because Jake and Handy Manny are two of his absolute favorites right now. 
beam in big sis Scotty! Welcome Sierra!
