Update? Remember that family that many DVC members here donated pts for their vacatio

[lat]

I keep thinking about the family that someone on this board helped to get other DVC members to donate pts stay at OKW (I think) last year with a mother who is terminally ill?

I am just wondering how they are doing and if there is any update.

Anybody knows? I remember I was just either in the process of becoming a member or just became a member at the time.

It was very nice to see all the DVC members put up the pts for their stay, but I don't remember seeing anything afterwards.

 

[fkj2]

Diana may know more of the story, since I think she talks more with tykes but in the interim, I had pm'd tykes who wrote me this back at least a month ago:

Stephanie passed away a few months ago. I just posted a few pictures of the families WDW trip, since it was a year ago that they were there

I still haven't had the chance to surf much at the Community Board, but that's where the photos would be, I think.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I was the one who gathered the points. Stephanie passed away last fall. I think it was around Thanksgiving or Christmas. The children were temporarily staying with their grandparents, but I haven't heard much about them lately. Tkyes (Tamie) over on the CB would know more. Stephanie was her co-worker. It was such a sad story, but such fun to do something for them that will be remembered forever by those poor children. I must say, I was amazed that others were willing to donate more points! I started out by giving enough for a 1 bedroom for 5 nights, and I think we ended up with a 2 bedroom for a week!

 

[lat]

I am so sad to hear this. It showed the many Disers have a big heart................

Thank you for posting the picture. It is so sad to see those 3 kids now without a mother

 

[dianeschlicht]

Here is the report from Tkyes.
A former coworker of mine named Stephanie was dying of cancer and her final wish was to take her 3 children to WDW. Her family had tried to raise money but was only able to raise a small
amount. We had a jar here at work but had only raised a small amount as well. One day we received news that Stephanie didn't have much more time and were told how far away they were from their goal of making it to the World. Here at work we began researching some options and stepped up our fundraising.

I knew that someone on the DIS would have some good suggestions on foundations that might be able to help Stephanie.

What happened then on the DIS amazed me and rendered me somewhat speechless. Amazing, wonderful, generous people pulled together to raise money, collect goodies, order groceries, arrange for transportation, get hotel upgrades, pay for character meals, pay for hotel rooms and donate their DVC points, all to make a total strangers last wish of enjoying the magic and wonder that Walt Disney World has to offer, possible.

So, one year ago on this Monday, a limousine picked up Stephanie, her parents and her three beautiful children and they were on their way to the land of magic. And magical it was. They stayed at Old Key West were they quickly stated "now we know how the rich people live". They also spent a few wonderful nights on the Concierge level of Animal Kingdom Lodge. There was no shortage of Pixie Dust on this vacation and I will probably never know how most of it managed to sprinkle itself on this family.

They were surprised with special packages, flowers, character meetings and even a visit by the Mayor of WDW along with a musical serenade at breakfast by the WDW band.

When I visited Stephanie in her final days of life, she had a twinkle in her eyes reliving the stories and memories of that trip. She said it was the most amazing thing she had ever seen, she had no idea it would be as wonderful as it was.

The power of the DIS is a magnificent thing. Don't forget that. Despite of all the little things that go on here, this is a magical place, full of amazing people. Whether you offered money, suggestions, kind words or a prayer, your caring and kindness was felt all the around the country, to a loving little family in Minnesota.

I want to say another special thanks to those of you who contacted me and helped me get more points for their stay. I first donated enough for a 1 bedroom, but then I found out they had to have caretakers with as well, so I came here begging for more. I was amazed at the response and cooperation I got. Thanks again from myself (dianeschlicht), Tkyes, and Stephanie's family as well!

 

[lat]

Diane, now you made me cry reading this..............

 

[Lisa F]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
They stayed at Old Key West were they quickly stated "now we know how the rich people live".

This whole thing kind of puts into perspective debates about which resort is better, who gets what kind of view, whether you should be allowed to see a parking lot while paying preferred view points, etc. I never thought of myself as being rich. But I have my health and I have a family who loves me and on top of all of that, I get to go to WDW every year. I'm incredibly rich, even if I have to suffer the indignity of staying at my least favorite resort or if I can see a dumpster or a bit of parking lot from my balcony. Seems like us "rich" folk do an awful lot of complaining. It's almost embarassing.

Still, it's wonderful that the side of us "rich" people that this family got to see is the generous, warm and caring side. Maybe a little perspective will help that side show through more often.

Lisa

 

[SAKPEG99OKW]

I always tell my wife to be thankfull for the life we have. We are both healthy, we have a remarkable 20month old son (tyler) and both have good jobs. We go to WDW at least twice a year sometimes more. As with everyday life we have our ups an downs, more ups, but that being said we are very, very, very lucky. We always try to help our fellow man and treat people the way we would like to be treated back. This story, at first broke my heart, but as I read more I started to get a smile on my face. The big hearts of the people on this board, and their caring and unselfish behaiver have blown me away. The people who donated should be very proud of themselves in helping this woman. Never forget, to receive is good but to give is great.

Thank you for posting.

Scott

P.S. Sorry for the spelling it's early........

 

[Laurabearz]

Thanks for sharing the picture. I am so glad we had the chance to help.

 

[wilderness01]

What an amazing gesture that her family will be able to cherish.

 

[tkyes]

Hi

You guys are so sweet. I happened to hop on the DVC board today (hoping to rent points someday) and was suprised to see this thread.

How sweet of you to remember Stephanie's story and ask about her.

Tamie

 

[kathleena]

This whole thing kind of puts into perspective debates about which resort is better, who gets what kind of view, whether you should be allowed to see a parking lot while paying preferred view points, etc.

Amen!

Thank you for bringing this story in. I wasn't on the boards much then, and didn't know anything about it. Truly it does make a difference to remember just how fortunate we are and how little those few differential points mean in the bigger picture.

 

[Pig Pen]

I have tears streaming and this is a very sad story, but it is heartwarming to know that this wish was met. I missed this story completely.

 

[msdis]

Oh how sad And like others have said the stupid, stupid, stupid things we make a big deal about. What's even sadder is that we are all so lucky to be able to enjoy WDW with our loved ones while everyone is healthy and this poor family got to see it for the first time under such sad circumstances. Oh how very, very sad.

 

[Luv2Dream]

I also missed this story completely. As I sit here crying, I feel so sad for those children who have lost their mother, and so joyful that there are so many people on these boards who give selflessly of themselves. I am awestruck.

 

[LIFERBABE]

A true testament to how truly magical WDW is. That this families last vacation wish was so wonderful and made possible by so many.

Last year It brought a tear to my eye to see a little girl in a wheelchair ahead of us in line waiting to see Mickey at Toontown. Everyone was kind of agitated at the long line, but she sat there patiently. When we finally got into that room with Mickey she sprang out of that chair and threw her arms around Mickey like she had waited all her life to see him! She was very weak but to see that, really made me appreciate what we have and thankful for those that make dreams come true.

I am so glad that the DIS family helped this family.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Yes, I remember. My only regret is that I was in a borrowing situation, and could not donate. If I had to do it all over again, I would borrow more just so I could donate.

 

[rsschneck]

Thank you for sharing this most precious story. We are a new DVC Family and had no idea about this story.

It is wonderful that folks were generious and thoughtful enough to share their points, etc. to make this ladies dream of a WDW vacation with her family come true.

The children have a wonderful memory with their mother.

I think Tink had a little help from the good Lord up above with this families pixie dust!

We all really do need to remember how truly blessed we are!

Thanks again for posting this story.

Roxann

 

[Cruelladeville]

Thank you for posting about Stephanie's family! I totally missed the original thread, somehow, so it's extra nice that Stephanie continues to touch people a year after her death. I cried as I read this thread to my DH, and, yes, it does put our "wealth" into some perspective, we tend to take what we have for granted. We are very, very lucky. Thank you again for sharing Stephanie with the rest of us.

 

[goofy4wdw59]

I've also been moved to tears reading this post! What a wonderful group of people (whomever all of you are) to help make Stephanie's wish come true. It's good to know that she had those WDW memories to share with her family--especially with her children. I sincerely wish them well and can't help wondering how they are adjusting without their mom.