I grew up going to WDW, taking numerous trips since my first as a child in 1974. In 2001 my entire family- parents, siblings, spouses and children (all 22 of us!) traveled there together as a group. We all agreed to return enmasse at some time in the future but have not done so yet.
My father has emphsyema and until this year had fought a valiant battle against it progressing. Unfortunately, this along with type 2 diabetes are taking their toll and there has been a rapid decline in his overall health and especially his mobility. At this point, the doctors have told us that he has exhausted all treatment options and is in the end stage. His one regret is that he did not get to return to WDW with all of us.
We are looking into if there is any possibility of being able to make this last visit. Air travel is out - he needs too high of an oxygen LPM level, but we can get him there by van or auto train if necessary. We are trying to determine if there is a way to supply a high enough level of oxygen while in the parks, since the portable oxygen concentrators do not seem to have settings that go high enough for if /when he has to move. Obviously he would in a wheelchair at all times and we would avoid any rides or attractions that required him to transfer, since any type of physical movement causes shortness of breath.
Right now we are absolutely devastated that there has been such a drastic decline so quickly and that the doctors have basically told us that any plans that we are making should be for the near future. Obviously, too, we are beating ourselves up for not having made our family follow up trip a priority before now.
My parents gave my brothers, sisters and I such wonderful childhood memories and so many are tied to our road trips to WDW. If we can make this trip happen for my dad, it will be one small way that we can continue to build these beautiful memories to last through all of our lifetimes.
If you made it this far, thank you for reading my story. I'm truly at a loss of how to go about looking into and planning this trip, but am determined to do whatever I can to make it happen if it is possible. I would appreciate any information, tips, advice that you can share.
My father has emphsyema and until this year had fought a valiant battle against it progressing. Unfortunately, this along with type 2 diabetes are taking their toll and there has been a rapid decline in his overall health and especially his mobility. At this point, the doctors have told us that he has exhausted all treatment options and is in the end stage. His one regret is that he did not get to return to WDW with all of us.
We are looking into if there is any possibility of being able to make this last visit. Air travel is out - he needs too high of an oxygen LPM level, but we can get him there by van or auto train if necessary. We are trying to determine if there is a way to supply a high enough level of oxygen while in the parks, since the portable oxygen concentrators do not seem to have settings that go high enough for if /when he has to move. Obviously he would in a wheelchair at all times and we would avoid any rides or attractions that required him to transfer, since any type of physical movement causes shortness of breath.
Right now we are absolutely devastated that there has been such a drastic decline so quickly and that the doctors have basically told us that any plans that we are making should be for the near future. Obviously, too, we are beating ourselves up for not having made our family follow up trip a priority before now.
My parents gave my brothers, sisters and I such wonderful childhood memories and so many are tied to our road trips to WDW. If we can make this trip happen for my dad, it will be one small way that we can continue to build these beautiful memories to last through all of our lifetimes.
If you made it this far, thank you for reading my story. I'm truly at a loss of how to go about looking into and planning this trip, but am determined to do whatever I can to make it happen if it is possible. I would appreciate any information, tips, advice that you can share.
My mom loved him enough to let him go, though it was the hardest thing she will ever have to do. We miss him so much, but cherish all of the wonderful years we had together. 
