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Wish stories
Kelsey's wish...
“I wish to go to Disneyland Paris”
5 years old, Norfolk
CHARGE syndrome
Cathryn and Daryl, both Nurses in the NHS, found themselves facing an unimaginable challenge when in 2018, their daughter, Kelsey, was born blue and not breathing.
Diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome, a rare condition affecting only 1 in 10,000 babies, Kelsey's life became a series of medical complexities, including difficulty hearing, reliance on a tracheostomy tube for breathing, balance issues, and the need for a stomach tube for nutrition.
Despite the uphill battle, their world took a magical turn when they discovered Make-A-Wish UK through Kelsey's nurse. With Kelsey's love for all things Disney in mind, the family dared to dream of a family trip, and their wish came true with an unforgettable journey to Disneyland Paris.
Disney and Make-A-Wish UK have been granting wishes together for over 40 years.
Under the meticulous planning and organization of Make-A-Wish UK, the family embarked on Kelsey's first trip abroad, apprehensive about managing her delicate health during the journey. However, the experience exceeded their expectations.
"Going away on this wish was a landmark moment for us as we were able to enjoy our first-ever trip away as a family," reflected Daryl. "We were nervous about traveling because of Kelsey’s condition, but the moment we saw her smile when we arrived, it was priceless."
The magic of Disneyland Paris unfolded before Kelsey's eager eyes. Meeting beloved characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Donald became cherished memories. "Her favourite stuffed toy at home is Mickey Mouse, that she usually holds by the nose," said Dad. "When she met Mickey in real life, the first thing she did was go to grab his nose, which made us all laugh." The family also met Tigger and had exclusive access to the rides and shows such as the Symphony of Colours. Disney and Make-A-Wish UK have been granting wishes together for over 40 years.
"Being there with so many other wish families reassured us that we are not alone, and we got to support each other," shared Daryl. "Meeting another family on the Eurostar who were going to Disneyland Paris with Make-A-Wish, and were also wheelchair users, put us at ease instantly because there was a shared understanding and support."
The trip marked a turning point for Cathryn, Daryl, Kelsey, and her little brother Kenzo. It’s given them the confidence to embark on more trips together as a family.
"Over 134,000 children in the UK are living with a critical illness. We are extremely grateful to The Kentown Wizard Foundation and Disney for making Disneyland Paris wishes possible – their support really does mean everything to the children and families who turn to us."
“We are delighted to be able to help grant such transformational wishes and to see firsthand the incredible impact these trips have on children and their families, creating lasting memories together within the magic of Disneyland Paris.”
Thanks to The Kentown Wizard Foundation for helping make Disneyland Paris Wishes come true for UK children with critical conditions.
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