Buddy sees something special in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It signals the true start of the holiday season ... and brings his family together around the television.
It’s a vital holiday link for Buddy. Because of his medical condition, he can’t load up on the turkey and stuffing; he hasn’t eaten anything for the past five years, instead taking his nutrition intravenously. But the family tradition of watching the parade helps make up for it.
A New View
This year, he’ll see the parade like never before: in-person, as part of his wish to go to New York City. Buddy knows it will be a highlight of his Make-A-Wish® experience – from watching behind-the-scenes snippets to feeling the chill in the air.
It will also be the family’s first vacation. Buddy can’t travel much, and his only previous trip away from his Phoenix area home was for medical tests in Ohio. He will make the most of his time in New York City, with Broadway shows and a visit to Rockefeller Center on his itinerary.
Milestones and Memories Ahead
Day-to-day life can be unpredictable for Buddy. Managing his condition is a full-time job. But he refuses to let it define him. Ask him, and he’ll tell you that he’s a person just like any other … a person who will take any chance to experience something new, and to look forward to a memorable holiday with the people he cares for most.
Part II – Back Home
The director gives the signal. Buddy is on live television all across the state. He tells the anchor what it’s like to witness the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live.
“You feel the energy, you just feel everyone cheering,” he says, recalling the blizzard of confetti. “It’s something to experience.”
From Worry to Wonder
Buddy and his mother, Victoria, talk about the uncertainty just days before they departed for New York. Complications with his condition nearly upended the entire plan. They found reassurance from their Make-A-Wish volunteer, who re-built his itinerary to give him an extra day of treatment. There’s no way they wanted him to miss seeing Chicago on Broadway!
Everything came together, and Buddy and his family experienced a worry-free family vacation.