Make a Wish (and other organizations) ~ Wish Trippers UNITE! Volume FIVE!!

[Lilfoot93]

Hey everyone! It has been a while since I logged in. We have just been so crazy with life. Owen is getting ready to be put on the list for a new heart so our MAW trip came at the perfect time last December.

I will keep Owen in my prayers as he awaits his new heart.

Hi there. I am new to DISboards, and hope I am posting this correctly. My little Mia was granted a wish trip and our family can't wait. I am excited to get my feet wet and read all about previous wish trips. This thread is so wonderful... thank you to everyone who is willing to help out us newbies.

I wrote a tiny bit of Mia's story on a pre-trip report. Thanks for the help on being able to post a picture. I will hopefully get the hang of this.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=45797860#post45797860

I hope that link is right.

Mimi- Mia's mom (wish kid)

Welcome! I will go over and read your report.

today is the aniversary of Molly's adoption- family day as we call it and it just so happened that her wish granters stopped by with a small gift today. (they did not know it was family day, but they made it extra special).

doing so great on making my bracelts! cant wait to share them. after the trip maybe I will have enough to share some here.

Happy Family Day!!

Anyone else find themselves with our predicament? Basically, we have a trip, that has been verbally ok'd by MAW. They received all the info from us that they needed... Birth Certif's, Driver's License, etc... We are supposed to leave this Sunday, but have no "official" documentation proving so. We were "concerned" and gave them a call, and they said this chapter often gets things out last minute and we should get it by the end of the week (last week) or early this week (today or tomorrow). We are not panicking by any means, its just we'd feel a little better having something in our hands saying, we'll get you up at this time, flying out of Philly here, and you are staying here.

Anyone else sit on pins and needles for confirmation?

PS. I am in no way taking for granted what MAW is doing for us. This is going to be a once in a lifetime experience. Its just hard to plan... when you just aren't sure.

That would be hard to wait to the last minute. Hopefully you get all of your info today.


Jackie

 

[Threeboysandachickie]

I am so excited that there are so many of us wish families coming here together for help and advice! I have been needing a community Of caring friends for so long. We live in a very rural area and no one understands the challenges of raising a family of special children. I cannot wait to immerse myself into your stories and add myself to your prayer and support groups. Now that school is staring I have hours to pend stalking all the MAW reports, and to support and advise the trips in progress.

Good luck these next few weeks juggling school and dr appointments. It's a sad end of summer, but an exciting new chapter of learning.

Holly Jo, mommy to my kiddo Luke.

 

[GavandGraciesMommy]

I am so excited that there are so many of us wish families coming here together for help and advice! I have been needing a community Of caring friends for so long. We live in a very rural area and no one understands the challenges of raising a family of special children. I cannot wait to immerse myself into your stories and add myself to your prayer and support groups. Now that school is staring I have hours to pend stalking all the MAW reports, and to support and advise the trips in progress.

Good luck these next few weeks juggling school and dr appointments. It's a sad end of summer, but an exciting new chapter of learning.

Holly Jo, mommy to my kiddo Luke.

YAY another Iowa mommy! Where are you guys from (if you dont mind me asking)? We live in Burlington. I look forward to hearing about how your trip goes

 

[LindaBabe]

Thank you. Prayers were answered and miracles did arise, just not in the form we were hoping. Jeremy has been called Home. He is an organ donor however, and his tragic passing will make way for many miracles and second chances to come. please keep his family, especially his two sweet girls in your thoughts. Thank you again.

Hugs! I am so so sorry to hear that Jeremy passed, but so grateful to his family for the organ donations. He will live forever through the lives of those he saved.

Hey everyone! It has been a while since I logged in. We have just been so crazy with life. Owen is getting ready to be put on the list for a new heart so our MAW trip came at the perfect time last December.

Maroo.. so glad to see you are back! Owen's Trip Report is finished.. the link is at the bottom of my signature.

Sending warm good wishes for Owen and his new heart.

Anyone else find themselves with our predicament? Basically, we have a trip, that has been verbally ok'd by MAW. They received all the info from us that they needed... Birth Certif's, Driver's License, etc... We are supposed to leave this Sunday, but have no "official" documentation proving so. We were "concerned" and gave them a call, and they said this chapter often gets things out last minute and we should get it by the end of the week (last week) or early this week (today or tomorrow). We are not panicking by any means, its just we'd feel a little better having something in our hands saying, we'll get you up at this time, flying out of Philly here, and you are staying here.

Anyone else sit on pins and needles for confirmation?

PS. I am in no way taking for granted what MAW is doing for us. This is going to be a once in a lifetime experience. Its just hard to plan... when you just aren't sure.

You poor thing! I hope this week brings you GOOD news quickly.

Maroo - how is Lauren making out at college?

 

[Rx774]

FWIW, the wish granters have no control over this, and your local office might not either depending on your chapter organization and who controls cutting the expense checks (which is usually where things get held up). I was in a state once where the expense checks were cut in the big city four hours away and had to then be overnighted/mailed to our program office before we could finalize the packet and deliver it to the family. I could ask the local wish coordinator nicely, but she didn't have any more control over it than I did.

Once you get the packet, it should have all of the information you're looking for. But I never delivered the packet without the expense check because there's a piece of paperwork for you to sign that basically states you received everything, and we obviously can't get you to sign that until we have everything for you.

I did have to deliver packets the week of a wish sometimes, which I always hated because I knew it made my families crazy. But they did always get their information.

If you don't hear today or tomorrow, I'd call the chapter office (as opposed to your wish granters, who have no control over the packet or access to the information in it until it's in their hands and ready to deliver to you) again. If nothing else, they may be able to give you your flight information or confirmation number.

Thanks for your reply. Actually we have been dealing with the office, we haven't corresponded with our wish grantors since they left our house. Its the office that said it takes awhile. I talked to my wife, nothing today, so if we don't hear anything by tomorrow, back to the phone, because they it will only be 2 business days to receive anything. Does it come by USPS, or FED-EX/UPS? Oh well, in the mean while, just have my wife keep a look out.

We were going to do a Pre Trip Report, but when you don't know officially, kinda didn't want to go through with the report.

 

[sarsop524]

Just thought I would share a quick note. This past Saturday our family was invited to an event that the sponsor of our wish was hosting. The group sponsoring our wish hosts a car show every year with the proceeds going to Make a Wish. It was so much fun...as soon as we were walking in people were calling sarah by name...kind of weirded her sister out at first They had pics of Sarah in the program and on some collection jars that were scattered around, that was how everyone knew who we were! They also presented Sarah with a bag filled with goodies! It was a lot of fun, and kind of felt like our first bit of pixie dust

 

[kritter47]

Thanks for your reply. Actually we have been dealing with the office, we haven't corresponded with our wish grantors since they left our house. Its the office that said it takes awhile. I talked to my wife, nothing today, so if we don't hear anything by tomorrow, back to the phone, because they it will only be 2 business days to receive anything. Does it come by USPS, or FED-EX/UPS? Oh well, in the mean while, just have my wife keep a look out.

We were going to do a Pre Trip Report, but when you don't know officially, kinda didn't want to go through with the report.

How close do you live to the chapter office/wish granters? If it's a ways, it may very well come by mail. I always dropped mine off in person when I lived within an hour of my families, but there was one that lived waaaaay out there (2.5 hours or so) that we mailed it to.

I think we Fed-Ex'd the packet the one time that was in play on one of my wishes, but I didn't handle that directly so I'm not quite certain.

If the last time you talked to them was middle of last week, I don't think calling today or tomorrow would be out of line. At the very least, you can confirm the method of delivery (personal via wish granter or what type of mail service they're using) to know what to look for.

 

[camidges]

Hi guys, new here.... My son Ryan is 12 and is trach/vent dependent and in a wheelchair. My hubby and I have taken him to DisneyLand a few times since we are on the west coast, but we've never been to DisneyWorld. I am so scared of the logistics of flying across the country!

We just met with his MAW wish granters yesterday and we told them that we would like to send him to DisneyWorld for his wish. (He is not very verbal so we were able to give our input).

We are waiting now to see if his wish will be approved. In the meantime I am going to be reading up here on this forum to get as much info as I can, and I am sure that I will be asking a lot of questions here as they come up~

I am really excited for him!

 

[Lilfoot93]

Just thought I would share a quick note. This past Saturday our family was invited to an event that the sponsor of our wish was hosting. The group sponsoring our wish hosts a car show every year with the proceeds going to Make a Wish. It was so much fun...as soon as we were walking in people were calling sarah by name...kind of weirded her sister out at first They had pics of Sarah in the program and on some collection jars that were scattered around, that was how everyone knew who we were! They also presented Sarah with a bag filled with goodies! It was a lot of fun, and kind of felt like our first bit of pixie dust

That sounds like a lot of fun! Yay for your first bit of pixie dust

Hi guys, new here.... My son Ryan is 12 and is trach/vent dependent and in a wheelchair. My hubby and I have taken him to DisneyLand a few times since we are on the west coast, but we've never been to DisneyWorld. I am so scared of the logistics of flying across the country!

We just met with his MAW wish granters yesterday and we told them that we would like to send him to DisneyWorld for his wish. (He is not very verbal so we were able to give our input).

We are waiting now to see if his wish will be approved. In the meantime I am going to be reading up here on this forum to get as much info as I can, and I am sure that I will be asking a lot of questions here as they come up~

I am really excited for him!

How exciting for Ryan that he gets a wish! Hopefully you will hear soon about his wish trip! I know what you mean about flying across the country. We too are on the west coast and I am not looking forward to that part

Jackie

 

[mdfalls]

We are so excited.....just checked in (online) to our southwest airline flight for in the morning. Leaving the house via limo at 6:50am for Spencer's wish trip! And I'm still packing!!!! I keep having to stop and take a break, just to keep from crying over the joy of it all.

 

[sarsop524]

We are so excited.....just checked in (online) to our southwest airline flight for in the morning. Leaving the house via limo at 6:50am for Spencer's wish trip! And I'm still packing!!!! I keep having to stop and take a break, just to keep from crying over the joy of it all.

Hope you have an awesome trip! I can't wait to read about it in your blog!! I just checked it out and it was fun to read

Enjoy your week

 

[maroo]

Anyone else find themselves with our predicament? Basically, we have a trip, that has been verbally ok'd by MAW. They received all the info from us that they needed... Birth Certif's, Driver's License, etc... We are supposed to leave this Sunday, but have no "official" documentation proving so. We were "concerned" and gave them a call, and they said this chapter often gets things out last minute and we should get it by the end of the week (last week) or early this week (today or tomorrow). We are not panicking by any means, its just we'd feel a little better having something in our hands saying, we'll get you up at this time, flying out of Philly here, and you are staying here.

Anyone else sit on pins and needles for confirmation?

PS. I am in no way taking for granted what MAW is doing for us. This is going to be a once in a lifetime experience. Its just hard to plan... when you just aren't sure.

Yeah...this would make me nervous, too! I am glad we have someone that is an official wish granter that can help us know when to panic!

I am so excited that there are so many of us wish families coming here together for help and advice! I have been needing a community Of caring friends for so long. We live in a very rural area and no one understands the challenges of raising a family of special children. I cannot wait to immerse myself into your stories and add myself to your prayer and support groups. Now that school is staring I have hours to pend stalking all the MAW reports, and to support and advise the trips in progress.

Good luck these next few weeks juggling school and dr appointments. It's a sad end of summer, but an exciting new chapter of learning.

Holly Jo, mommy to my kiddo Luke.

I am so glad you are here and are finding community!

The DIS is really a great place to get to know other families with special kiddos - everyone needs someone around them that "gets" it! So glad you are here!

FWIW, the wish granters have no control over this, and your local office might not either depending on your chapter organization and who controls cutting the expense checks (which is usually where things get held up). I was in a state once where the expense checks were cut in the big city four hours away and had to then be overnighted/mailed to our program office before we could finalize the packet and deliver it to the family. I could ask the local wish coordinator nicely, but she didn't have any more control over it than I did.

Once you get the packet, it should have all of the information you're looking for. But I never delivered the packet without the expense check because there's a piece of paperwork for you to sign that basically states you received everything, and we obviously can't get you to sign that until we have everything for you.

I did have to deliver packets the week of a wish sometimes, which I always hated because I knew it made my families crazy. But they did always get their information.

If you don't hear today or tomorrow, I'd call the chapter office (as opposed to your wish granters, who have no control over the packet or access to the information in it until it's in their hands and ready to deliver to you) again. If nothing else, they may be able to give you your flight information or confirmation number.

I am so glad you are here! Because this would have made me a lot more nervous for her if you had not explained it! Thank you!!

Maroo - how is Lauren making out at college?

I will do a "Lauren" update here shortly! Complete with some pictures!

We are so excited.....just checked in (online) to our southwest airline flight for in the morning. Leaving the house via limo at 6:50am for Spencer's wish trip! And I'm still packing!!!! I keep having to stop and take a break, just to keep from crying over the joy of it all.

So excited for you guys!!!!!!!!

 

[blessedmom4]

We are so excited.....just checked in (online) to our southwest airline flight for in the morning. Leaving the house via limo at 6:50am for Spencer's wish trip! And I'm still packing!!!! I keep having to stop and take a break, just to keep from crying over the joy of it all.

Have an amazing time and remember to BREATHE!!!

Hi guys, new here.... My son Ryan is 12 and is trach/vent dependent and in a wheelchair. My hubby and I have taken him to DisneyLand a few times since we are on the west coast, but we've never been to DisneyWorld. I am so scared of the logistics of flying across the country!
Congratulations on your wish trip for your son! Relax and let your wishgranters know your needs, they want to help and make this trip magical.
We just met with his MAW wish granters yesterday and we told them that we would like to send him to DisneyWorld for his wish. (He is not very verbal so we were able to give our input).

We are waiting now to see if his wish will be approved. In the meantime I am going to be reading up here on this forum to get as much info as I can, and I am sure that I will be asking a lot of questions here as they come up~

I am really excited for him!

I am excited for your FAMILY!!!

Just thought I would share a quick note. This past Saturday our family was invited to an event that the sponsor of our wish was hosting. The group sponsoring our wish hosts a car show every year with the proceeds going to Make a Wish. It was so much fun...as soon as we were walking in people were calling sarah by name...kind of weirded her sister out at first They had pics of Sarah in the program and on some collection jars that were scattered around, that was how everyone knew who we were! They also presented Sarah with a bag filled with goodies! It was a lot of fun, and kind of felt like our first bit of pixie dust

How wonderful!!! I LOVE Pixie Dust and it comes from the most unusual places!

The DIS is really a great place to get to know other families with special kiddos - everyone needs someone around them that "gets" it! So glad you are here!

Because so many DON'T!! I have experienced that right here on the DIS I am afraid, as well as having some of my biggest concerns understood without having to explain! This thread is wonderful and I thank those who started it years ago and Maroo for keeping it going!

I will do a "Lauren" update here shortly! Complete with some pictures!

I can't wait!!!!

Owensheart, I didn't capture the quote, but prayers for your little guy!! And you too Mom!

 

[Rx774]

How close do you live to the chapter office/wish granters? If it's a ways, it may very well come by mail. I always dropped mine off in person when I lived within an hour of my families, but there was one that lived waaaaay out there (2.5 hours or so) that we mailed it to.

I think we Fed-Ex'd the packet the one time that was in play on one of my wishes, but I didn't handle that directly so I'm not quite certain.

If the last time you talked to them was middle of last week, I don't think calling today or tomorrow would be out of line. At the very least, you can confirm the method of delivery (personal via wish granter or what type of mail service they're using) to know what to look for.

Not far at all. I'm hesitant to give our location, because i don't want to make it seem like we are ripping our chapter. They've been magnificent, and we couldn't ask for a greater pair of wish granters. We will be dealing with them again, because our daughter's wish is next summer, next week is for my son.

I was just corrected by my wife, that indeed they are supposed to come to our house to drop off the necessary items in person. If we get nothing today, then we will call. Thanks for your advice.

 

[jmerchlinsky]

We are so excited.....just checked in (online) to our southwest airline flight for in the morning. Leaving the house via limo at 6:50am for Spencer's wish trip! And I'm still packing!!!! I keep having to stop and take a break, just to keep from crying over the joy of it all.

Hope you are having a wonderful trip, Does Anyone know when you check in can you all check in with the same southwest account or do you need a separate one for each person on the trip?

 

[Lilfoot93]

Not sure if anyone has seen this or used these guys. I found it on our local MAW chapters FB page. It is called Crops of Luv.

http://cropsofluv.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=49

They will make a scrapbook for you of your wish child's trip! Sounds pretty neat!

Jackie

 

[Indykjt]

It seems like lately we keep having tiny bits of magic every day, and today was no different! I've updated our PTR a few minutes ago.

Plus, we took a leap today and ordered some pins off of Ebay to give the kids each a starter set to trade with. I'm not sure who is more excited about trading pins... our 7 year old son or our 13 year old daughter! We have read A LOT about pins and trading, and have seen the whole Good/Bad seller thread, so we hope we did okay.

We really wanted to do pin trading, because my son loves to focus on projects, and it seems like a perfect way for him to get some of his own special souvenirs! Does anyone have any tips for making his pin trading as fun as can be? We were wondering if lanyards are the best way to carry pins, or will he lose any off of them? Also, how many pins should we bring for him to trade??? Lots of questions!

 

[Mama2Josh]

It's so exciting to read about everyone who is going through the same process we are. I can't wait until we have dates! We're STILL waiting on hearing back from MAW. They had to send us the paperwork again for more signatures, but now I think everything on our end is done. Now just waiting to hear from them where/when we're going. We were hoping for October, and that's coming up soon, so hopefully we'll be hearing from them shortly!
Can anyone tell me how we can get added to the list of wish-trippers in the first post? The link to Josh's PTR is below, and I will update it a lot more once I have something from MAW!
Ok - I'm off to take my Statistics final - wish me luck!
Tara

 

[kritter47]

Not far at all. I'm hesitant to give our location, because i don't want to make it seem like we are ripping our chapter. They've been magnificent, and we couldn't ask for a greater pair of wish granters. We will be dealing with them again, because our daughter's wish is next summer, next week is for my son.

I was just corrected by my wife, that indeed they are supposed to come to our house to drop off the necessary items in person. If we get nothing today, then we will call. Thanks for your advice.

Oh, no worries about the location! I was more wondering the proximity to the chapter office since you mentioned maybe receiving it via mail.

Hopefully you've heard from them by now!

 

[yeti5353]

Can any of the old hands tell me how seriousy the dress up stuff is taken for the parties at GKTW? do just the young kids dress up, teens, adults? do people bring costumes for the halloween party and pirates and princess party or is it more a just happens sort of thing? We wont be going to any disney halloween stuff.