?? Sunshine Foundation wish to WDW

[sweetpea3470]

Hello,
Im the mom for an 11 yo boy with severe MRCP. We were refered by a friend to the Sunshine Foundation. I was wondering if anyone else out there has had a Disney wish granted by them and how the experence was. We are such a disney family & due to the nature of my son's condition it has been impossible to get him there alone. Every time I go I cry because a part of me is missing.My biggest question is does someone from the foundation stay with us to lift in & out of the wheelchair? Thats the part that keeps me from being able to get him there. 80lbs of a growing boy is too much for me to lift!!Any info on the sunshine foundation is appriciated!!!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I cannot answer the question directly, but from what I have heard Sunshine Foundation is very similar to Make A Wish.

How do you normally handle getting him in out out of the chair at home?

Do you have a friend or relative who could travel with you as an additional caregiver? Again I cannot answer for them, but if you have a person who can travel with you, and show can show this need, they should fund this assistant just as they will fund you and your son.

 

[Michigan]

I know Midge did years ago for Michael. I'm sure she will be along here shortly.

 

[dclfun]

Are you the only adult going with your son? Usually a wish is granted for everyone living in the same household to include the whole family. I would think they would allow a caregiver if your child needs that in order to go on the trip. If the Sunshine Foundation doesn't help in this area, could you apply through MAW instead? I know people who went through MAW and brought along a nurse for a child who was medically fragile. ---Kathy

 

[sweetpea3470]

The only adult is myself...im a single mom the only other adult help I have are my parents who are unable to lift him as well. My son doesnot live at home anymore, because of the lifting issues.He lives in a Pediatric home.If we get to go with him my parents would meet us down there, myself and his twin brother would ride with him.

 

[Mouse's Shadow]

If you need help in order to go, you might try looking into local agencies that offer home healthcare aids. I don't know if something like this can be handled by an agency, but it might be worth a shot. If you don't know anyone in this profession, you do have time to interview and get to know someone. You might even speak to some of the aids at the facility where your son lives. I hope everything works out. Don't give up. Explore all options.

I hope you keep us posted on what you find out.

 

[sweetpea3470]

There is a local chapter that is located right outside Philadelphia (where we live) thats why my friend refered us to them,hoping they would be the easest to help. Also because they use a private chartered plane to get there. I worried how my son would be on a public plane(he tends to be quite loud with noises he makes from time to time) The other thing I love about the way they grant thease wishes is you get to the airport like5-6am, go straight to Orlando & straight to The MK, spend the whole day there then fly home late at night the same day! knowing how my son is I think 1 day is enough for him. he likes to roll around on the floor etc... he doesnot like to be in his wheelchair much so an extended vacation I think would be too much "sitting" in his chair & I would hate to spend time in the room not being in the park. I would be so thankful for just 1 day. It would be a possibility for me to pay for one of the workers to come with us for a short trip, but paying for 4 adults by myself would take me at least 2 years to save up for (being my boys are 11 and must pay adult price) So I thought I'd try this route 1st.So if there is anyone out there with any info on The Sunshine Foundation or any other ideas I'd love to hear from you!! Thanks

 

[dclfun]

I've seen something similar with "Dreamflight" that brings the kids down for one day. I don't know anything else about the Sunshine Foundation but hope it works out for you and your son. I'd think that other people would have had similar circumstances with requiring an attendant so hopefully they can provide this service. Have you spoken yet with one of their representatives? ---kathy

 

[sweetpea3470]

YES the dreamflight is exacly what I'm talking about!!! I just recieved the application 3 days ago...so Im just starting this process.Hope to hear any ideas or comments about the Sunshine Foundation experences
Thanks