Make-A-Wish^® Idaho

Addison's Condition 

Addy was born with a super rare microchromosomal duplication disorder. Not much is known about it. It’s been a learning adventure for me as her mom and for her doctors as well. Addy definitely doesn’t follow the medical books; she writes her own instead. She has numerous other medical conditions that have currently placed her on palliative “end of life” comfort care. Her biggest battles are with her acute scoliosis and epilepsy. Even though Addy has so much, she fights each day. She defines the saying “Broken Crayons Still Color."  She colors this world beautiful every day. I think of Addy as our little slice of sunshine as she just radiates happiness! 

Addy was referred to Make-A-Wish® Idaho in December 2015 and her amazing wish was granted in April of 2016. Addy for the biggest part is non-verbal, but she has learned how to communicate with several sounds, a few words, facial expressions, body language, and her strong spirit. Addy has the most incredible smile and laugh. She has a way of capturing hearts with just a smile and laugh. Once she draws you near, she will let you know how she feels by tapping her heart to indicate she loves you or reaching for your hand when she can coordinate her movements. Love is Addy’s language, and we say she speaks with her heart.

How Addison Chose A Wish 

One of Addy’s first loves as a child was and still is Mickey Mouse. She has always felt a calm in her struggle by just hearing the Mickey tunes, putting a Mickey Mouse video on, or having her mom or sister sing a Mickey tune.  Addy cannot physically sing or dance, but Addy can feel every emotion that all people feel, and she can definitely show excitement.  We say she dances and sings in her heart.

Mickey simply makes her happy.  Addy loves music, loves to be loved, and Addy loves for people to talk to her and play with her.  You can always tell when she likes something, dislikes something, feels comfortable, feels uncomfortable, is having an “up day” or “down day." Addy’s days of struggles are always filled with love as it's what she responds to best and the one thing she knows how to give so well.  Her sister and mom helped choose Addy’s wish to go to Disneyworld to meet Mickey. To this day, Addy still lights up and finds a sense of calm and happiness in the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Staying At Give Kids the World 

We had never heard of Give Kids the World until the wish trip. From the moment we entered the gated community of Give Kids the World, our hearts were overwhelmed with how well thought out our every need was.  We had left the real world and entered a world of acceptance, care, unconditional love, others who knew our struggle, and hearts that cared for us like we were royalty. 

The little cottage-type homes we stayed in were so comfortable and met every need we had for Addy and as a family. There was even a little sign in the yard with her name on it when we arrived. Each day when we returned from being out, there would be gifts left for the girls inside the cottage.  The restaurant was unbelievable. We were greeted each time we went there and our trays carried to the table and cleaned up for us.  If we were not feeling well, they had a full kitchen in the cottage and food was available to us.  In the complex, there were special events for all ages that covered every holiday of the year and for the older kids, even prom was covered.

One thing that especially stands out was that we celebrated Christmas in April.  Everything was decorated special for depending on which holiday was being celebrated. For Christmas, Santa was there as well as elves, Christmas music and a wall of presents for the Make-A-Wish kids and their siblings.

Addy placed a star on the ceiling, and we were told that it will always remain there. Outside there were all kinds of amusement rides and a pool area, adding to the fun and amazement. They also brought in a horse and would give rides to the wish kids and their siblings. At the end of their horseback ride, the kids would receive a cowgirl/cowboy hat. There was a small store that had wonderful gifts. There was a building onsite where you could go to ask questions about anything.  They gave us a video camera to capture our magical experiences. At the end of our trip, upon returning the camcorder, they put everything on a disc for us so we could look back and have those memories forever! This place truly left no stone unturned in making us feel safe, comfortable, loved and left us with less worry for a moment in time that will always be cherished.

Going To Disney World 

Disney World was an absolute dream come true.  Addy knew she was special from the time she got on the airplane to the time she got off, and when she entered Disney World she let us know that she was a superstar. She clapped, smiled and giggled so much throughout the day. The wish pass made what would have never been possible…possible. 

Handicap children face many challenges in the real world, but with Make-A-Wish and the wish pass, it opened doors for us. We didn’t have to wait in long lines for anything. Doors opened that made picture-taking seamless, rides a possibility, eating no worry, and comfortable rooms to rest in and care for Addy available to us. The characters went over and beyond when they would spot us in the crowd. They’d walk up to us and spend so much time with Addy and her sister. From Snow White taking Addy and her sister to the garden and having a princess-to-princess chat, to Elsa throwing her dress over Addy and making her part of the magical moment. It was all so magical and heartwarming! 

We also went to Sea World, Universal Studios and Siesta Keys! The kids really enjoyed every aspect.  Make-A-Wish kids are just so unconditionally put first throughout!  As a family, our hearts were full of joy and thanks for every moment we were given.

Meeting Mickey Mouse

The biggest joy of the day was Addy’s one-on-one playdate with the talking Mickey Mouse. She was smiling, giggling and clapping her hands, just waiting at the door to go in to see him. Mickey made Addy feel like she was his best pal and had all the time in the world for her. He took photos with her, sang to her, danced around her, and she was really soaking it all in. She even reached up to grab him for a kiss.  The look on her face and actions were so heartwarming that we still carry it in our hearts today.  She was just a little girl, with no worries, with her best pal Mickey for the best moment in time. There was not a dry eye in the room! 

The Impact of Addy's Wish 

I know as a family our lives will forever be changed by the Make-A-Wish Foundation and this trip. Addy still lights up when she hears Mickey’s voice and all the tunes. We look at Addy today and see her continued love for Mickey Mouse, strong will to live and fighting spirit and without a doubt know, due to the love she felt, it carried her through a difficult time and provided her some wind behind her broken little wings and helped her to soar.

What would you say to parents who have children with conditions like Addison’s who are eligible for a wish but may be on the fence about receiving one?

Never stop believing in miracles, never stop dreaming, and know through the Make-A-Wish Foundation the impossible is possible. Dreams do come true, and moments in time will forever be imprinted in your heart.  These moments are miracles that will bring you such joy, you will see time stand still.  Our hearts will forever be grateful for everyone involved in making our Addy feel so important, loved and care for.  The Make-A-Wish Foundation is changing the world one wish at a time and it sure changed ours

You are invited to follow Addison's journey on Facebook.