Brody is a five-year-old young boy diagnosed with a nervous system disorder with a wish to visit Disney World with his family. His wish was granted in December 2023. Brody, his parents, and nine siblings stayed at Give Kids the World (GKTW), a nonprofit organization providing a range of accommodation facilities near Disney World to more than 75,000 children and families suffering from life-threatening illnesses.  

Brody loves Christmas. He and his family attended the “Very Merry Christmas Party,” and they loved it! Brody’s mom, Lydia, shared a message to the Make-A-Wish ® Central and Northern Florida team about their wish experience. “Hi Tina, I hope you’re having a great start to the new year. I feel like we’ve been going nonstop since we got back from Brody’s trip. I wanted to send you some pics from our trip. I cannot thank you and everyone who works so hard to make these trip happen. This was a life changing trip for all of us. Everyone was so accommodating of us, which I know can be a lot to manage with a family of 12.  

I’m a part of a large homeschool co-op and a friend from the group has just arranged for a team of us to go to GKTW on March 16th to volunteer. I’m bringing my three eldest boys, but next time will bring more volunteers to support kids and families. I would absolutely love to be a part of volunteering efforts in the future with Make-A-Wish and GKTW.

This past Christmas season was the best we have ever had. We knew when we were on the trip that we absolutely had to splurge and surprise the kids with Disney annual passes for Christmas. With the help of my mom, we made it happen. We just activated our passes the other day. First stop was Hollywood to Toy Story land. We love being a Make-A-Wish and GKTW family. You are all such a gift to us.”

For Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida kids, feeling hopeful about the future is just as important as successful medical treatment. In fact, many of these heroic kids list their wish experience as the turning point in their recovery. If you’re looking for a way to give back to the children in your community who need it most, please consider donating or volunteering to Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida. 

Make-A-Wish needs your help to keep granting more wishes. Whether you represent a fun excursion, an accommodation, or simply want to donate, please contact Kathleen Hampton, Director of Development of the Northwest Region, at khampton@cnfl.wish.org or (407) 622-4673, ext. 201. Your support is crucial in changing the lives of critically ill children.