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Our Alumni Visit to GKTW!



In 2019, Make-A-Wish blessed my oldest son with a wish. He immediately chose to go to Disney World in Florida. I still cannot find the right words to explain how amazing Make-A-Wish of Michigan made this trip a breath of fresh air! They did everything for us: send-off party, flight, limo, lodging, spending money, and tickets to Universal, SeaWorld, and Disney World. They also provided us with special passes to skip the lines.


After two years of unimaginable difficulty, it was the stress-free break we desperately needed. Our lives had been flipped upside down, with hospital visits becoming routine, countless doctor appointments, and an endless cycle of trial and error with medications. Watching my son suffer through pain, exhaustion, and moments of defeat was beyond heart-wrenching. I can't express enough gratitude to Make-A-Wish for giving him a week filled with joy, laughter, and relief.


Not to mention, Make-A-Wish partnered with the most incredible lodging organization, "Give Kids The World." Upon our arrival, we enjoyed a meal before heading to our stunning villa, where we received a warm welcome. The staff explained everything, from our park passes to the many activities available at the resort. The amenities were beyond amazing—pools, rides, games, and delicious food were just the beginning! They even had dedicated staff in the cafeteria to assist with our dining experience, which was a lifesaver for me as a single mom juggling everything. Give Kids The World elevated our vacation to a whole new level—one I never imagined possible. Any parent will tell you that traveling with children can be challenging, especially when one of them has special needs.




However, Give Kids The World had staff throughout the park to make every family's stay effortless. It was such a heartwarming experience in itself. You felt the love, care, and helpful energy at GKTW. The experience was indeed something where we could just enjoy the magic without the usual stress. Unfortunately, we didn't get to do much at GKTW beyond swimming and eating at the resort because my son wanted to spend his time at the parks. When it was time to leave, Give Kids The World surprised us with a packet of complimentary passes to various amusement parks across the United States, valid for an entire year. Sadly, Covid hit, so we never got to use any of our passes, but it was still an incredible gift!





Recently, I was informed that once your wish child stays at Give Kids The World, they become an alumni member for LIFE! In other words, they can visit up to 2 times a YEAR for the rest of their lives! Someone could've told me this prior, and I just didn't remember juggling so much alone. Nevertheless, I was unaware until a few months ago. After some research, I contacted Ms. Tami O'Brien, who helped me set everything up! Her energy was so welcoming, and I love that she calls everyone sugabooga!


Our first alumni visit was just last month, and the best way to describe it is nostalgic! It brought back so many cherished memories, and my boys had a blast. My son didn't get the chance to do his star during our initial visit, so Ms. Tami arranged for him to finally hang it in the Castle of Miracles, which made him ecstatic. We spent the entire day enjoying everything we didn't get to do the first time, and by the end, we were exhausted but overflowing with appreciation and gratitude.





These two organizations provide families experiencing heartbreaking medical situations with their children a moment to focus on making happy memories together. If I could give the world to these organizations, I would because they filled my family's cup with light during our darkest time—we were barely hanging on. Overall, thank you to Make-A-Wish of Michigan and Give Kids The World in Florida for everything you did for my family and everything you do for millions of other families.


I've listed below multiple ways you can assist in helping and supporting the missions of these two organizations. They're worth every penny and ounce of time you can give!



How to Donate to Make-A-Wish


Visit the Make-A-Wish website: Go to wish.org.


  • Click on "Donate": You will find the "Donate" button in the top right corner of the homepage. This will take you to the donation page.

  • Choose Donation Type:

    • You can make a one-time donation or set up a monthly donation.

    • Choose your designation (National or Local).  

  • Fill in Donation Details: Your donation amount, name, and payment details.


  • Other Ways to Give:

    • You can also donate stocks or securities.

    • Participate in workplace giving or corporate matching if your employer offers these options.

    • Some local Make-A-Wish chapters may also accept in-kind donations or other types of support.



Additionally, you can support through volunteering or fundraising campaigns. Many people participate in events like walks or organize their own fundraisers to contribute.



How to Donate to Give Kids The World


Online Donations:


  • Visit the official Give Kids The World website at (https://www.gktw.org).

  • Click on the "Donate" button at the top right of the homepage.

  • You can make a one-time donation, set up a recurring donation, or donate in honor or memory of someone.


By Mail:


  • Donations can also be sent by Mail. Make checks payable to "Give Kids The World" and send them to:


    Give Kids The World

    210 S. Bass Road

    Kissimmee, FL 34746


Corporate Matching:


  • Check if your employers offer corporate matching gifts, which can double or triple your contributions.


Fundraising Campaigns:


  • Start your own fundraising campaigns through platforms like Facebook or directly through the Give Kids The World website.



How to Volunteer at Give Kids The World


  • Visit the [volunteer section](https://www.gktw.org/volunteer/) of the Give Kids The World website.

  • Give Kids The World welcomes volunteers of all ages for various roles, including assisting with activities, serving meals, and more.


Registering to Volunteer:


  • Interested volunteers can register online via the website. 

  • Individuals or groups can sign up to volunteer. There are opportunities for both local and out-of-town volunteers.





 

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