Twelve-year-old Jessica followed the path set by many Make-A-Wish® kids in wishing to go to Walt Disney World®. But her reason for going was truly unique. When volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho, and Washington asked the bubbly young girl why she chose the central Florida theme park, she explained that she wanted to be around happy people.

Because of her illness, Jessica is prevented from riding many of the attractions that create the big grins seen on the faces of Walt Disney World's visitors. To Jessica, though, the importance of her trip didn't lie in the huge machines that carry tourists high above the ground or spin them into euphoric states. Her wish was to carry the park's good feelings and fun times back to her home in Washington state.

With the help of UAW-GM, Jessica and her family flew to the SunshineState for a heavy dose of enjoyment. Walt Disney World proved to be just what Jessica had in mind. Even though other children were able to jump on the famous rides without restrictions, Jessica still found her own special attractions. She took delight in Epcot's "The Living Seas" – an exhibit dedicated to showcasing salt-water marine life and the future of humankind's relationship with the oceans. Jessica also took a liking to the interactive show "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience." Outside the walls of Walt Disney World, the family created memories at Give Kids The World®, a 51-acre children's-themed resort for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Since the trip, the energetic girl has been considering a move from wish kid to Wishmaker®. Jessica and her brother are throwing around ideas for raising funds for other Make-A-Wish children. This ambitious youngster is on her way to showing the world how to share the power of a wish®.