Mom's cancer & reunion - need advice please

[44sun]

Hi all!
My answer may be buried somewhere in the boards but after scanning many pages & searches, I'm creating a new post. Sorry but I really need your help. I'll make this short - my mom has been rediagnosed with breast cancer that has spread to her liver. At this point she's considered stage 4, the final stage. Her wish has always been to go to Magic Kingdom, no kidding. Here's the thing that will bring tears to your eyes, she hasn't seen my brother in almost 8 years and my sister in 7 years. My sister just had a baby, who Mom hasn't seen or held either. I live 1200 miles away & haven't seen her in a year & a half. We're all scattered across the country. So I was thinking 'wouldn't it be nice to have a Disney family reunion?' Sure would but the cost is prohibitive. My question to you all is this...does anyone know if there is a Make-a-Wish type of organization for adults? Or does Disney offer discounts for terminal adults wishing to see the Magic Kingdom? Any advice & prayers will be appreciated. You're all the experts! Thanks for reading.

 

[Serena]

I really don't have an answer. But I hope it all works out, and I'll offer a prayer.

 

[ScarlettO]

I don't think there is such a program,
Instead, why don't you 3 "kids" just go visit your Mom before it's too late. I can't imagine...7 years...8 years....

 

[C.Ann]

So sorry to hear about your Mom.. Unfortunately, I'm afraid I don't have any information about adult organizations that do this sort of thing either.. If such an organization does exist your best bet in finding it would probably be through the American Cancer Society..

Hopefully you can all get together for a reunion with your Mom somewhere - even if it isn't Disney World.. It's not all that uncommon for families to drift apart for various reasons - and especially when you're scattered about in different parts of the country.. If the trip to Disney isn't possible, I would try to get everyone together in one spot that might be more affordable than Disney..

Prayers to all of you and especially your Mom..

 

[arminnie]

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 65 and then after almost a decade she also was rediagnosed with bc that had spread to the liver (and lungs in her case). I am so sorry. I've been there for that.

Yes, it is terminal but that does not have to mean that she will be gone in a few weeks/months. My mother lived almost 3 more years and actually had some very good quality of life during that time. And they have a lot more meds etc than they did 6 years ago when my mother died.

The most important thing for your family to do right now is to get together with your mother. If you can all do it together fine if not do it separately.

I personally do not think that a Disney reunion would be the wisest choice. You need some time together to sit and talk and just be there for your mother. A Disney trip with siblings that have not seen each other for years could be extremely stressful and tiring for your mother.

Just go read some of the trip reports about families that try to merge priorities on a trip like this. With everyone thinking this is a once only trip of a lifetime the emphasis on being with your mother could get lost in the shuffle. Your mother needs to be the focus of attention and it is too easy for family dynamics to cause arguments about what we are doing today and how to spend the time and money.

I cannot stress enough that you all need to take extraordinary efforts if needed to see your mother. If you have to give up cable, cell phones, etc or get an extra job on a temporary basis just do it.

If it is really important for your mother to go see Disney then find a way for her to do it even if it doesn't include every relative. The budget board here on DIS has great tips for saving money.

I wish you and your family the best.

 

[44sun]

Thank you everyone for the advice. I really appreciate it. We are planning a reunion here in Colorado because I'm central to everyone. Maybe I could take Mom & Dad for a short 3-day trip just for her to see the Magic Kingdom. She would love the flowers and greenery. You are all wonderful. Thank you again.

 

[Robinrs]

I just wanted to add that I am so sorry for your family's pain and God bless you for wanting such a wonderful trip for her. I hope you find a way.

I, too, have been through this.

God bless you,

Robinrs