Indiana Wishes

Gabriel, who is battling Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy, a rare life-threatening, tumor that has disfigured his face and threatened his eye and brain function, just recently returned from a magical wish inspired adventure to Walt Disney World^® thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Greater Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana, Indiana Region.

Two and a half-year-old Gabriel wished to meet the magical characters of Disney World and spend a worry-free week away on vacation with his family. “We took care of all of the vacation planning from making travel preparations and dinner reservations to arranging for airport transportation. A couple of weeks before the vacation, Make-A-Wish volunteers met with the family and provided them with a complete itinerary. The only thing they had to do was pack,” commented Executive Director Juli Miller.

Gabriel and his family were whisked away in a limousine provided by Classic Touch Limousine Service to the airport in route to Disney World on March 22.

The week included a stay at Disney’s own Give Kids The World^® resort and visits to Disney theme parks which enabled the family to forget about the stress that so often accompanies families with children battling life-threatening medical conditions.

“Our stay at Give Kids The World was magical. There was so much for us to do everyday that it seemed like all of our worries were gone, even if it was just for one week,” remarked Gabriel’s Mom Brandy.

Although Gabriel’s battle against Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy is far from over, the toddler has brought a bit of the magic back from Disney World with him to Indiana. The family returned March 28 with a renewed sense of strength despite having to admit Gabe to the hospital for additional chemotherapy treatments.

“Make-A-Wish and Give Kids The World provided such a wonderful experience to our family that we would never have been able to do ourselves,” commented Brandy after returning from the family’s wish trip. “Our gratefulness can never be fully expressed for the memories that they have provided for our family and many other families who are in the same situation.”

“Gabriel is a very courageous little boy who has been through so much,” remarked Miller. “It was a pleasure to give Gabriel and his family a very special experience and memories they will cherish for a lifetime. I think I have the best job in the world.”

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