Claire chose to go to Disney to meet Elsa and get a makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! She wasn't sure about what she would want for her wish until she found out that becoming a princess at the castle was an option and then she was SOLD! Claire chose her wish over a year before we went on the trip because we wanted to time it out with her feeling better post treatment. We spent that year watching videos of the parks and pretending the ride the rides on Dad's lap! Disney was phenomenal and the cast members treated us like royalty. Claire's favorite parts were the Ratatouille ride (she got to go on it 4 times thanks to our pass!!) and hugging all of the princesses. She has been telling everyone how she was so brave to go on the Guardian's of the Galaxy rollercoaster, though she thinks it was maybe a little too scary to go on again.
We also had an incredible time at the village and utilized those slower moments to soak in the happiness of being together as a family. We got to play on the playground, ride a pony, eat endless amounts of ice cream, ride the carousel countless times, and meet Minnie, Mickey, and Santa! Her star ceremony was another highlight that will stick with us forever.
Claire's wish gave us hope throughout treatment. Also, since we decided to have her trip right after the end of her treatment it felt like a nice conclusion to this chapter of our lives. Claire doesn't remember a life before cancer and her little sister doesn't know a sister that isn't on treatment. We got to say goodbye to the most difficult part of our family's life so far in a happy and peaceful way. We got to close the door of medicines and pain and open the door of possibilities of who Claire and our family can be. And we got to do it in the happiest place on earth. Claire's wish was fun and exciting for her but also deeply moving and healing for our entire family.
There is a very real, tangible, and meaningful impact you can have for kids and families that have gone through very dark and scary times. Being able to give back happiness to children that spend their days in hospital rooms also gives them back hope and inspiration to be brave. By supporting Make-A-Wish Iowa you can give families peace and joy for an experience that is truly healing.
