Child with cancer, GAC

[LavenderPeach]

I'm so glad to read that other parents with bigger kids in stroller haven't had to deal with much negativity but my daughter has. We have a great Mountain Buggy Urban jogger type stroller that she still totally fits in and we had the "stroller as wheelchair" GAC. After our last two or three trips to the DLR we ended up purchasing a wheelchair for her because of the mean comments from people...adults mostly but the one occasion that had her in tears for hours it was a few teenage girls laughing and pointing at her. Gotta love mean teenage girls Anyway, I found a nice wheelchair online for very little $$ and she couldn't be happier with it. No more staring, rude glances or comments.

If other peoples' opinions and possible reactions to your son won't bother you or him then using the stroller is the most practical option. I just wanted to share our experience as it's unfortunately very different than what most people have posted.

I hope you guys have a wonderful time. He's a lucky kid to have a great mom like you

That's awful! I'm so sorry you had to deal with people making comments and laughing. I'm guessing it's probably because your DD is older than most of us who have commented so far. And honestly, even though my DS is almost 6, he's pretty small for his age so I know he looks younger. I'm glad you found a solution to fix the problem.

OP, I hope you have a great trip. Try not to worry too much about what others think (or say or do) - I know, easier said than done - and just have a great time!

 

[kissesbykim]

It is very different for me to worry about what others think but I'm just so sensitive about Ty. He already deals with so much! I will definately make a sign for the stroller! Love that idea! A t-shirt is a nice touch also! Thank you all who have replied! I didn't expect to see 2 pages when we got back from the doctors today! I've been looking on the Dis for the past few days (although I was a frequent visitor before Ty's MAW vacation) reading about all the disability things I could find and just some other fun stuff. There was one particular thread that I was reading that had some complaints about big kids in strollers..that's what got me thinking about this in the first place. Ty's almost 7 but he's a very tall boy...thankfully for him the chemo didn't stunt his growth at all As long as no one makes him feel badly, I'm sure we will have a fantastic time!

Thanks for responding!

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

I love Diz-nee's husbands' t-shirt. Way to cute and wording works so wonderful.

Patty

 

[TheColtonsMom]

I am one of the "lucky ones" all my kids are healthy. I wanted to let you know that even those who have never experienced being in your position don't judge those with GACs there is a reason or they wouldn't have given you one.

Colton (my 6 year old) was quite curious about some of the people in wheelchairs, bigger kids in strollers etc and I encouraged him to talk to them and just ask..why treat them as different? He had many memorable moments talking to kids that were sick and enjoying Disneyland just as he was. He learned about what it ws like to be sick and often told kids he was sorry they were sick before going on to discuss their favorite rides,food, shows and whatever at DL. They are just other kids and enjoy interacting with other kids without being treated differently.

My point is do what you need to do to make DL magical for your child...it is what we all strive for healthy kids or not right? Anyone who has a problem with your son being in a stroller or having a GAC well it is their problem not yours. Have a magical trip!

 

[FireflyJar]

deleted

 

[Dobie]

You know, I take the attitude that most people are way more into themselves than anyone else...plus at Disney I am so much into enjoying the experience with the other Dobies that I don't even notice other people! Which is a good think, considering my generally goofy appearance!

 

[Albort]

ive seen a lot but i dont question it.

like ive seen teenagers in wheelchairs just jump out of it and run to a ride...

I think the only time a CM will question is if ur doing something dangerous or that it is a safety issue that can affect other guest... other than that, you will be fine...

 

[Piglet99645]

It is very different for me to worry about what others think but I'm just so sensitive about Ty. He already deals with so much! I will definately make a sign for the stroller! Love that idea! A t-shirt is a nice touch also! Thank you all who have replied! I didn't expect to see 2 pages when we got back from the doctors today! I've been looking on the Dis for the past few days (although I was a frequent visitor before Ty's MAW vacation) reading about all the disability things I could find and just some other fun stuff. There was one particular thread that I was reading that had some complaints about big kids in strollers..that's what got me thinking about this in the first place. Ty's almost 7 but he's a very tall boy...thankfully for him the chemo didn't stunt his growth at all As long as no one makes him feel badly, I'm sure we will have a fantastic time!

Thanks for responding!

I just wanted to say I am so sorry you are dealing with this issue at all! As a cancer survivor, I can recommend a t-shirt that says "Cancer SUCKS" which I still wear quite often. If anybody asks, just say "my son is recovering from cancer treatment" then smile and walk away. Don't let them ruin your day.