Make a Wish (and other organizations) - Wish Trippers UNITE! Volume THREE! :)

[maroo]

Prayer Request:::::

Many of you guys remember Lydia.

Her pre-trip report is Here!...

She has now been placed on the heart transplant list.

Please pray for her family - as this is so hard. And pray for the donor...and their family. Life is an interesting thing...when someone else can have a tragedy and save a life at the same time. So prayers all around.


Wait...UPDATE: As of the minute I posted this...her Mom posted again her page (PM me if you want the link)...she has pneumonia and is in the hospital on IV antibiotics. Please pray for her....

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Prayer Request:::::

Many of you guys remember Lydia.

Her pre-trip report is Here!...

She has now been placed on the heart transplant list.

Please pray for her family - as this is so hard. And pray for the donor...and their family. Life is an interesting thing...when someone else can have a tragedy and save a life at the same time. So prayers all around.


Wait...UPDATE: As of the minute I posted this...her Mom posted again her page (PM me if you want the link)...she has pneumonia and is in the hospital on IV antibiotics. Please pray for her....

Oh no I hope she can kick the pneumonia very soon. Praying the abx gets it out of there so she can get a new heart!

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Has anyone had success getting foster children approved to attend with the wish child? Gabe was denied - I'm floored.

Oh no I am so sorry! I hope there is another way around this. I would keep calling and seeing if there is anything they can do. I will say a prayer that they find that Gabe should go on this trip with you. HUGS!!

 

[LindaBabe]

Will anyone be at Disney next week? My mom has surprised us with tickets for next week and I plan to take Savvy to GKTW.

Here now. Volunteering at GKTW today and tomorrow. Have a FUN trip!

 

[momma_mouse]

I agree with this...if MAW's rules won't allow it...maybe Dream Factory or another similar organization would allow him to come with you guys.

Yep, try Dream Factory. I know our chapter was going to let my step-son go with us. (We only have him about 4 days a month.) His mom wouldn't let him though.

 

[kellyw8863]

Kelly,

I am speechless after reading this. I am so sorry. What is their justification? I mean, he resides full time with you, right? I have a friend who decided not to do the trip with MAW when they denied one of her step-daughters who she and her husband had shared custody of. She was really upset, because this step-daughter lived with them half the time and was part of the family, and she couldn't imagine going on a trip like this without her. But her MAW chapter (it was in VA) justified it by saying only children that lived in her home full time were allowed.

How could a foster child be denied?

Btw, my friend is probably going to try pursuing a trip with another wish organization.

He does reside full time with us, and has for exactly a year. There is no plan for him to be reunified with his adoptive mother, which means there is no plan for him to go anywhere else. MAW is defining eligible members as "immediate family members who reside in the home."

Oh no!!
Oh no!

So...what was the deal? He is not legally adopted at this point? Right? And has he reached the age of 18? Maybe that is the deal?

Oh, please do keep us posted.

He's not considered eligible for adoption because of his age (17). The goal for him remains reunification with his adoptive mother, or independent living. But, even though he will be 18 at the end of April, he is only a junior in high school so he will be a ward of the state six months post-graduation. We assume he will be with us through that time, as he has no plans to go back where he was.

Are you KIDDING.... I do not even know what to say Kelly... This just does not make any sense....do you have legal papers saying that he is living with you full time, even though I know we know he is. I hate to ask you this, and you do not have to answer this on an open board, but do you get money from the state to care for him? If so, that she should be enough proof for them to see he is part of your family.

Gosh I do not know what to do say, I never say this being an issue for a second. So now what? Do you have any leg to stand on to get him approved?

We have a letter from DSS stating that he is living in our home and under our care and protection. This letter also gives us permission to take him out of state. We do receive a stipend for his care, and this is considered a "kinship" placement, meaning that there is no plan for him to be placed anywhere else. Let me know if you're around this weekend so I can give you a call.

Prayer Request:::::

Many of you guys remember Lydia.

Her pre-trip report is Here!...

She has now been placed on the heart transplant list.

Please pray for her family - as this is so hard. And pray for the donor...and their family. Life is an interesting thing...when someone else can have a tragedy and save a life at the same time. So prayers all around.


Wait...UPDATE: As of the minute I posted this...her Mom posted again her page (PM me if you want the link)...she has pneumonia and is in the hospital on IV antibiotics. Please pray for her....

I am so, so sorry to read this, and she certainly will be in my prayers.

Oh no I am so sorry! I hope there is another way around this. I would keep calling and seeing if there is anything they can do. I will say a prayer that they find that Gabe should go on this trip with you. HUGS!!

I am going to make one more plea with them. Even if they can help us with anything, like the park tickets. I can't believe how expensive those things are!

Yep, try Dream Factory. I know our chapter was going to let my step-son go with us. (We only have him about 4 days a month.) His mom wouldn't let him though.

I'm sorry to read this! Unfortunately, Dream Factory isn't an option for us, as the MA chapter only serves the Merrimac Valley area of MA at this time, and we live in Western MA. Not even close.

Thanks for all of your thoughts. I spoke with our contact again yesterday, and she said that since we don't have legal custody of him, he's not considered our child. I guess I understand, but it is hard. I emailed her late yesterday afternoon and told her that we will pay OOP to bring him, though I'm going to make one more plea. If they can even help us with the park tickets, we can swing the airfare and day to day expenses while we are there. I'm hopeful that they can work with us a little bit, especially since we're most likely going to have to take unpaid leave from work in order to go. Honestly, I just want to get the trip booked so we can start focusing on all the good and let go of all our frustrations.

 

[Thumper321]

I am so sorry, Kelly! This seems completely absurd to me, especially with you having the letter from the state. Keep trying! Maybe they will at least cover some of his expenses. I would fight it until the very end. Having an adopted brother, I know that Gabe is immediate family. I just wish that MAW knew it.

 

[Maryrn11168]

Well, it is official!! We got the letter that we are book on the Disney Magic for Brian's Trip! I can not believe that it is coming together!! We leave 10 weeks from today!! So much planning to do!! (which I live for and my husband thinks I'm nuts!!!) I have been reading and re-reading Disney Cruise line books!! I'm not sure if I want to book excusions now or take it easy and play it by ear!! They are also quite expensive and there is nothing that Brian is absolutley crazy about doing! I did book a massage for myself I figure I deserve it since I am the one that sleeps on the pull out chair when he is admitted!!!!

I will start a PTR the beggining of the week!! Just wanted to post this news quickly...now I have to get ready for a "girls" night to the movies and dinner!! No husbands or kids!!!!

Hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!!!

Mary

 

[dmbfan]

Well, it is official!! We got the letter that we are book on the Disney Magic for Brian's Trip! I can not believe that it is coming together!! We leave 10 weeks from today!! So much planning to do!! (which I live for and my husband thinks I'm nuts!!!) I have been reading and re-reading Disney Cruise line books!! I'm not sure if I want to book excusions now or take it easy and play it by ear!! They are also quite expensive and there is nothing that Brian is absolutley crazy about doing! I did book a massage for myself I figure I deserve it since I am the one that sleeps on the pull out chair when he is admitted!!!!

I will start a PTR the beggining of the week!! Just wanted to post this news quickly...now I have to get ready for a "girls" night to the movies and dinner!! No husbands or kids!!!!

Hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!!!

Mary

How exciting...A Disney Cruise...can't wait to follow your PT thread...have you made one up yet?

Enjoy your girls night out...movies and drinks sounds AWESOME..

 

[dmbfan]

Thanks for all of your thoughts. I spoke with our contact again yesterday, and she said that since we don't have legal custody of him, he's not considered our child. I guess I understand, but it is hard. I emailed her late yesterday afternoon and told her that we will pay OOP to bring him, though I'm going to make one more plea. If they can even help us with the park tickets, we can swing the airfare and day to day expenses while we are there. I'm hopeful that they can work with us a little bit, especially since we're most likely going to have to take unpaid leave from work in order to go. Honestly, I just want to get the trip booked so we can start focusing on all the good and let go of all our frustrations.

I know everything will work out...even if MAW does not pay for him. As I said on the phone, it is do able, and it sounds like things will be fine in the end, just so upset that their rules are so off the wall...and in your case, I am sorry they just do not make ANY SENSE to me.


Let's plan for the first of Feb for a night out...

 

[alizesmom]

Has anyone had success getting foster children approved to attend with the wish child? Gabe was denied - I'm floored.

Kelly, this surprises me because we just returned from our MAW trip and took our foster son who is 6. In fact he was only with us for 2 weeks when we left and our caseworker coordinated with MAW and a judge to allow us to bring him.

We had a lovely quiet trip, had the pleasure of meeting with Maroo and got to brave the very unfriendly temperature the Florida was offering. We safely got through security with 2 wheelchairs, 1 car seat, a ventilator, a BIPAP machine, 2 oximeters, an nebulizer, 2 joey pumps, 1 suction machine and all of the tubes, batteries, meds and other equipment associated with them. I can't say enough for the airports (Pittsburgh and Orlando) as well as Southwest Airlines in getting us there and back again.

I do want to send a heads up for anyone whose child can't transfer from his/her wheelchair that there are very few rides at the Magic Kingdom you can utilize (train, Small World, Aladden, Pooh were the only ones I could find).

You can no longer ask to ride in the front of the monorail due to guests getting into fights over who gets to go.

Ice cream every day is good for you (especially when it's free).

Karen

 

[livndisney]

Kelly, this surprises me because we just returned from our MAW trip and took our foster son who is 6. In fact he was only with us for 2 weeks when we left and our caseworker coordinated with MAW and a judge to allow us to bring him.

We had a lovely quiet trip, had the pleasure of meeting with Maroo and got to brave the very unfriendly temperature the Florida was offering. We safely got through security with 2 wheelchairs, 1 car seat, a ventilator, a BIPAP machine, 2 oximeters, an nebulizer, 2 joey pumps, 1 suction machine and all of the tubes, batteries, meds and other equipment associated with them. I can't say enough for the airports (Pittsburgh and Orlando) as well as Southwest Airlines in getting us there and back again.

I do want to send a heads up for anyone whose child can't transfer from his/her wheelchair that there are very few rides at the Magic Kingdom you can utilize (train, Small World, Aladden, Pooh were the only ones I could find).

You can no longer ask to ride in the front of the monorail due to guests getting into fights over who gets to go.

Ice cream every day is good for you (especially when it's free).

Karen

Riders are not allowed in the front of the monorail due to the accident this past summer.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Do the Avis rental vans with the lifts have anywhere to put a wheelchair that does not have tie downs and not fold it? Like secure it with a seatbelt and let Ty ride in a seat? I am debating on which wheelchair to bring. His old one would be the best choice to bring because it has the headrest and better seat but it does not have the transit option and is a huge pain to fold and put back together. His new one is a very basic wheelchair with nothing other than a cushy seat and sling back. But it does have the transit hooks and is easier to fold.

 

[pnutallergymom]

Do any of you have any information when ToonTown is actually closing for refurb?? I have't been able to find any exact dates other than "sometime in Spring of 2010".

Its not a huge deal for us, as it is so small anyways, but I know Brigitte would really enjoy seeing Mickey and Minnies house.

Thanks guys!!!

 

[Thumper321]

I will definately print this out. Thank you.

I wasn't too worried about the medications but was worried about his cooling vest( I do not want to take any chances checking that) and his catheters and his diapers as I will have those in the same carryon with his syringes tube feeding supplied and meds etc.

Thank you again!!

Just wanted to let you know that I found a little more supportive info. from the TSA website. It says specifically:

"The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse briefcase or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids, and/or assistive devices carried by and/or used by a person with a disability."

This is the page I will be printing to take to the airport for Aidan's supplies. Hope I'm not on major overkill here. I just wanted to share what I found and hope that it might help you as well.

Here's the TSA link: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/before_you_go.shtm and it's the third one down.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Do the Avis rental vans with the lifts have anywhere to put a wheelchair that does not have tie downs and not fold it? Like secure it with a seatbelt and let Ty ride in a seat? I am debating on which wheelchair to bring. His old one would be the best choice to bring because it has the headrest and better seat but it does not have the transit option and is a huge pain to fold and put back together. His new one is a very basic wheelchair with nothing other than a cushy seat and sling back. But it does have the transit hooks and is easier to fold.

We own a Honda minivan and Phoebe rides in the regular van seat. I load the chair into the back of the van manually and just put the brakes on to prevent rolling. I know that in an accident it could fly around and be dangerous, which is one of the reasons we are looking at a new vehicle sometime this year. I would be surprised if a rental company supplied specially equipped vehicle like that but you could call and ask.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Here now. Volunteering at GKTW today and tomorrow. Have a FUN trip!

How fun Linda!!! Thank you for sending my girls the postcard on your last trip. Phoebe loves getting mail that she's allowed to play with and Tessa loved seeing the castle.

 

[LindaBabe]

How fun Linda!!! Thank you for sending my girls the postcard on your last trip. Phoebe loves getting mail that she's allowed to play with and Tessa loved seeing the castle.

I'll be here a few more days, so if anyone else wants post cards, please pm addy.

Yesterday was SO fun. I ran the carousel with two other people and we had LOTS of riders. Ranking right up there with ice cream for breakfast is a ride on the carousel for 'afters', especially when one can ride all one wants including every different animal. And yes, if your little one is in a chair, there is a way s/he can ride!

I learned a few things new this trip.

They send you a packet of information before the trip about 1 month out, that answers many of the questions I've seen posted here.

You get a fairly thick booklet on check in, with even more answers in it. It's also accessable on line, but I've forgotten the address. search on GKTW.org

GKTW is even bigger than ever - there's a whole new "park" with a basketball court. There's a 'candyland' playground. You could really spend the whole week at the village alone and have tons of fun and plenty to do.

If at all possible, rent a vehicle. Transportation is available to the parks, but it is not convenient.

REMEMBER to take that extra empty suitcase.

Happy Day, all!

 

[that's nice]

Well it is official.... My DD3 was approved for a wish to Disney!

We gave our granters three different travel dates which weirdly enough all start at the begging of a month- 9/1, 12/1, & 4/1. So we will wait and see what they have for us. I've read on a few wish reports of people checking in on Thursday then one parent has to goto orientation thus missing out on the Christmas party. That is one of the reasons for the Wednesday check-in.

Once I start a PTR. I'll let you know.

 

[kellyw8863]

I am so sorry, Kelly! This seems completely absurd to me, especially with you having the letter from the state. Keep trying! Maybe they will at least cover some of his expenses. I would fight it until the very end. Having an adopted brother, I know that Gabe is immediate family. I just wish that MAW knew it.

Thanks, Miranda. I'm going to make one more appeal, and then we're going to move on. We just need to focus our energy elsewhere, if you know what I mean. It will all work out in the end - it always does!

Well, it is official!! We got the letter that we are book on the Disney Magic for Brian's Trip! I can not believe that it is coming together!! We leave 10 weeks from today!! So much planning to do!! (which I live for and my husband thinks I'm nuts!!!) I have been reading and re-reading Disney Cruise line books!! I'm not sure if I want to book excusions now or take it easy and play it by ear!! They are also quite expensive and there is nothing that Brian is absolutley crazy about doing! I did book a massage for myself I figure I deserve it since I am the one that sleeps on the pull out chair when he is admitted!!!!

I will start a PTR the beggining of the week!! Just wanted to post this news quickly...now I have to get ready for a "girls" night to the movies and dinner!! No husbands or kids!!!!

Hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!!!

Mary

I can't wait to follow your PTR! If the girls were a bit older, I would have been very intrigued at the idea of doing a Disney cruise over the parks, but as it is, they can't swim by themselves, which I think would somewhat limit them since so much seems to revolve around pools and waterslides. Not everything, but at least it seems that way. Maybe sometime in the future we'll go on our own! I can't wait to see how your plans develop!

I know everything will work out...even if MAW does not pay for him. As I said on the phone, it is do able, and it sounds like things will be fine in the end, just so upset that their rules are so off the wall...and in your case, I am sorry they just do not make ANY SENSE to me.


Let's plan for the first of Feb for a night out...

Thanks, Christine, you're a good friend to me. It will be fine. Like I said to you earlier, I think the thing that upsets me most is the idea that he's not considered part of our immediate family. I can't wait for our night out!

Kelly, this surprises me because we just returned from our MAW trip and took our foster son who is 6. In fact he was only with us for 2 weeks when we left and our caseworker coordinated with MAW and a judge to allow us to bring him.

Thank you for that - it gives me hope that perhaps my appeal will work! I'm glad you had a great trip!

Just wanted to let you know that I found a little more supportive info. from the TSA website. It says specifically:

"The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse briefcase or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids, and/or assistive devices carried by and/or used by a person with a disability."

This is the page I will be printing to take to the airport for Aidan's supplies. Hope I'm not on major overkill here. I just wanted to share what I found and hope that it might help you as well.

Here's the TSA link: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/before_you_go.shtm and it's the third one down.

Thanks for posting this. Do you know if it counts for checked baggage, too? We planned on packing a box with all of her supplies, but now I'm wondering if it is not a good idea to check it...

I'll be here a few more days, so if anyone else wants post cards, please pm addy.

Yesterday was SO fun. I ran the carousel with two other people and we had LOTS of riders. Ranking right up there with ice cream for breakfast is a ride on the carousel for 'afters', especially when one can ride all one wants including every different animal. And yes, if your little one is in a chair, there is a way s/he can ride!

I learned a few things new this trip.

They send you a packet of information before the trip about 1 month out, that answers many of the questions I've seen posted here.

You get a fairly thick booklet on check in, with even more answers in it. It's also accessable on line, but I've forgotten the address. search on GKTW.org

GKTW is even bigger than ever - there's a whole new "park" with a basketball court. There's a 'candyland' playground. You could really spend the whole week at the village alone and have tons of fun and plenty to do.

If at all possible, rent a vehicle. Transportation is available to the parks, but it is not convenient.

REMEMBER to take that extra empty suitcase.

Happy Day, all!

That's great! Thanks for all of the information. I'm glad you're having a good time!

Well it is official.... My DD3 was approved for a wish to Disney!

We gave our granters three different travel dates which weirdly enough all start at the begging of a month- 9/1, 12/1, & 4/1. So we will wait and see what they have for us. I've read on a few wish reports of people checking in on Thursday then one parent has to goto orientation thus missing out on the Christmas party. That is one of the reasons for the Wednesday check-in.

Once I start a PTR. I'll let you know.

I can't wait to read your PTR!