sister w/cancer leaves Saturday for DIS

[wendylovesdisney]

My sister has stage 4 breast cancer. She is leaving on Saturday to take my 5 year old nephew (her only child) to Disney World. This is his first trip and she said she really wanted to be able to be there for his first time and see his face.
She refused to apply for any help or foundation which may help her because she said that meant "she was going to die". She planned the whole trip herself.
I really want to do something for her to help make it special. I do not know what to do. I know this is short notice. Maybe something as simple as have balloons in the room. She really need to have an electric wheelchair because she cannot walk far at all. There is no way she could go further then main street, yet again she refused to talk to someone about reserving a chair for her. (We had heard electric chairs were first come/first serve)
I am lost. Please help. - Wendy

 

[janette]

There is probably some help on the DisAbilities board. A scooter might be something nice. You can rent them from places and that way she has it for her entire trip. The only downside would be transportation, she might get frustrated having to wait for the scooter to be loaded.

It would be very hard to do Disney if she tires easily that alone would be a good reason to have a scooter. She can save her strength for the good moments with her son.

 

[Pam]

Wendy,
First off, let me say that I will add your sister to my prayer list. I am so sorry that she is battling cancer.

What a wonderful thing she is doing for her son! I can't really offer you much help - I've only been to WDW once myself, and that was in 2000. I do think the WDW Florists will deliver balloons to your sister's hotel. And I believe that Guest Services would maybe able to arrange for an electric wheelchair. Do you know the name of the the hotel she will be staying at? If so, I'd call and see what they can do to help give your sister and her son a happy and memorable trip.

Pam

 

[nativetxn]

That's a great idea, Pam. Your sister sounds like a very brave and confident woman, wendylovesdisney.

You could call one of the florists and arrange for balloons or a fruit basket for the room. I also think arranging for a scooter for her might be a good idea. She won't be able to enjoy her little boys joy if she can't maneuver the parks without becoming exhausted.

 

[Pooh93]

Wow, first let me say Wendy that my heart goes out to your sister. She sounds like a brave woman and I hope that she and your nephew have a magical trip. I hope she can get the wheelchair or scooter she needs as it would help her save her strength. Please let us know how their trip turns out.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Prayers and PD and the advice of calling her WDW resort to ask about the electric cart. Some of the resorts have wheel chairs for the use of their guests. (I know OKW does). At any rate, they might have a suggestion about medical supply houses that would rent out a cart for the duration of her stay.

 

[browneyes]

Just said a prayer for your sister.

I'd suggest calling or emailing the resort she's staying at to see if they can help. I'm sure the disabilities board has a lot of advice on how to help her, too.

If you call the resorts, ask them who they recommend as a balloon caterer.

 

[newmousecateer]

Sorry, don't have any advice for you, but will be saying prayers for your very brave sister. And sending a ton of *PD* for your sister and nephew for a truly magical trip.

 

[Disney Doll]

I would call the Disney florist re:the balloons or something special in her room. I don't know their direct number, but if you call the 1-407-WDISNEY number, they can give it to you. I've done this for my relatives who have been down there...I've had a tote bag full of goodies sent a couple of times, but they do have a lot of other options too.

As far as the scooter, if walking is going to be a problem for her, then she should rent one from a medical equipment supply company in the Orlando area. Friends of ours did that when they went down with an elderly parent. The company delivered it right to their hotel, so they had it to use all the time, not just in the parks. Remember, there is a lot of walking all around Disney, not just in the parks. All the busses are equipped to be able to take a scooter, so it's not a big deal. I have seen people with scooters there with a 1-800-SCOOTER phone # on them. Perhaps you could try that, or do a search of medical equipment companies or something like that. Also, if she waits til she actually gets to the park, the scooters go quick. Would there be someone there who could push a wheelchair if she couldn't get a scooter? These are all things to consider. I'd probably rather be assured that I have one by renting it from a medical equipment company rather than taking the chance on Disney's supply.

God bless your sister and her family. I will pray that they have a great time with wonderful sunny gorgeous weather.

 

[Big V]

Saying a prayer for your sister. I hope they have a wonderful trip.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Here is Disney Florist number, they do great work. 1–407–827–3505. As others have said, Wendy, if she tires easily, she really would do well with a scooter. So many are used there, she has no need to feel 'odd' or anything by having one. It will so enhance her enjoyment of the parks.

I *sigh* very heavily, reading yet another post on breast cancer. God bless your sister, Wendy, and her young son. My prayers are certainly with them both. And remember, miracles do in fact happen.

Dan

 

[WillyJ]

I can't add anything to the suggestions you've gotten Wendy, but I can add your sister to my prayers. .

She sounds like a very brave and special person; I hope they have a magical and trouble-free trip. . . and I wish her much luck for the future. .

 

[epcotfan]

I hope they both have a wonderful and magical trip.

 

[Serena]

I hope they both have a wonderful trip.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm too late with this if she already left on Saturday (yesterday), but here are the websites for the Medical Equipment companies that DIS posters have reported renting wheelchairs and ecvs (electric scooters) from:
Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

The resorts DO have a limited number of wheelchairs available (first come, first serve), but don't have scooters. None of the companies will rent out power wheelchairs unless the renter already has a power wheelchair. They are a little different than scooters, much more expensive, need more indivdual set-up and require a lot of practice to drive.
Hope she has a great time and receives all the pixie dust from this thread.