On December 6, 2011 I was given the opportunity of a lifetime. To travel to Disneyland for a one day whirlwind trip. The Sunshine Foundation's "Dreamlift Day" takes sick and challenged kids to Disneyland for a trip of a lifetime! 62 kids with challenges ranging from cancer to juvenile ALS and everything in between were chosen to visit the happiest place on earth and I was chosen as 1 of 15 media members to join the ride.
I cant explain how excited and blessed I felt to be given the chance to be a part of this. Initially, I was terrified to think I would be responsible for a child who could potentially need more from me than I was sure I could give. It ended up that no media members were assigned a child, and its probably best that way. We were so busy writing notes, taking pictures, shooting footage and interviewing people that our children would have missed out.
I am convinced I was destined to meet Jessica on this trip. A fellow media member who works for a local newspaper. Not only were we staying on the same floor of the hotel (which is how we first met) but we were sat beside each other on the plane and to top it off we had both interviewed the same family prior to the trip.
Jessica and I attached ourselves to a group of 3 boys, Payton, Kienan and Liam. Each kid has a "buddy" (a volunteer from the Interior) and an Orange County sheriff. Vital is the word that comes to mind when I think of the Orange County sheriffs. They know that park like the back of their hand and are able to get the children to all aspects of the park in most efficient manner possible.
We had planned to spend most of our time with the group and then venture off on our own. A couple hours in and it became very clear to both Jessica and I that we would be missing out on so much more by leaving the group. The kids, buddies and sheriffs truly touched my heart and have changed me for life.
I came home from this whirlwind trip with a whole new appreciation for life and feeling more grateful for everything in my life than I ever have. There is something about seeing the world through a child's eyes and a especially a child who has experienced more hardship than most adults I know and who has dealt with it with immense grace.
If you would like to see the smiles for yourself please view my Facebook Album.
I sincerely hope that if you live in a city that participates in the Wendy's Dreamlift Day you choose to spend the time waiting in line and spend your hard earned money on as much food as you can possibly eat. I know first hand that your money goes to giving the most deserving children a day of normalcy. I would jump at the chance to be a part of another Dreamlift but until I get that chance and even if I never do, I'll be supporting this cause in anyway I can.
