When Carly turned four it was not the birthday that most kids dream about. All her nights and most of her days were fraught with excruciating pain. It was two months before we would learn she had cancer and she was in a terrible state. After her diagnosis came the surgeries, chemo and radiation, long separations from her sister, daily shots, and bouts of awful sickness. During this dreadful time Carly’s spirit never weakened. After her last treatment in February her body began to strengthen and she was told she was in remission.

When Carly turned five it was definitely the birthday kids dream about. Make-A-Wish sent Carly and her family to Disney World!!!! She stayed in an incredible village called Give Kids the World. Ice cream all day long, meals in a gingerbread house, two swimming pools and a water works, a movie theater, kids train and train station, a carousel, Christmas, Disney characters, and gifts galore.

She spent three incredible days at Disney World including her fifth birthday. On that special day she had breakfast with the “princesses” and all was right in her world. She and Kelcie rode the rides, watched the parades, oohed and ahhed, and had a wonderful time. A magical time. A dream come true. And Mommy and Daddy smiled and smiled.

She spent a day at Universal Studios and met more characters and went on more rides. They even got MiMi to go on a ride, scared her silly, and had fun, fun, and more fun.

Carly wore a special button that let people know she was from the GKW village and Make-A-Wish. As soon as Disney and Universal employees saw her button, lines disappeared, doors were flung open and red carpets unrolled at her feet.

Make-A-Wish and Give Kids the World are organizations that are made possible through charitable donations. We wish that every person or organization that has donated to these groups could see the smiles on the faces of the kids and their families. It was such a happy place to be, especially after months of fear and worry and sickness….we are very grateful!

There is a saying that a life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away…..Thank you Make-A-Wish and GKW village for a week of breathless moments…..

After all the fun it was back to business. Shortly after returning from Disney Carly had an MRI and CT scan and I am happy to report both were clear. She also had an all day appointment at Children's Hospital pain management clinic. We met with a team of doctors to discuss the pain she has been in and the course of action. In the end one of her medications was increased. The good news is the change appears to have made a difference.