When our family landed in Orlando on September 14, 1993, for the start of our 8-year-old daughter Kelly's wish-trip, we hadn't any inkling that this six-day vacation would be the most wonderful time of our lives or the very last memories we'd ever have on earth as a family with her.

Kelly had a malignant brain tumor removed in June of 1992, and because of the successful operation and intensive treatment plan radiation and chemotherapy, she had an excellent prognosis. But on August 13th of this year, new tumors appeared on a routine MRI, and Kelly was given only several months to live.

Because we halted all further treatment in light of her situation, Kelly was feeling wonderful when we arrived in Florida. We were encouraged to make the trip "as soon as possible," and because of this, arrangements were made quickly and we were in somewhat of a daze when we arrived at the GIVE KIDS THE WORLD VILLAGE. The cheery environment and excellent staff assistance, however, soon made us feel relaxed and at home.

As the days progressed, we were "blown away" by all the red-carpet treatment we received along with all the special touches and amenities we enjoyed from so many companies and organization. All the stress and heartache we'd been under in the previous weeks began to loosen its grip on us as we graciously received what felt like one giant hug from complete strangers. There was not one little detail which went unnoticed or unappreciated. From the refrigerator snacks to the warm smiles we received from so many ride and restaurant attendants, there was wall-to-wall kindness. We can't tell you what this did for us!

We didn't appear to be a family with a terminally ill child. Kelly could be seen popping out of her wheelchair to skip or dance, and she frolicked in the swimming pool with her older, healthy sisters. She rode the most adventurous of rides and ate up a storm. Nobody questioned our GIVE KIDS THE WORLD pin, and we're ever-so-grateful, because these were the last days of her life.

We flew home Sunday night, September 19th. Fifteen minutes after pulling in our driveway in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Kelly had a severe headache, her very first symptom of the recurring tumors. During the night she lapsed into a coma, and died the following afternoon.

Without any of you fully realizing it, you were wrapping the arms of God around one weary family, and providing the most extravagant send-off possible on earth, as Kelly stepped from the Magic Kingdom into God's Heavenly Kingdom.

With deep humility, we extend our most sincere thanks to all who made this trip so enjoyable and unforgettable.

My name is Hanna, and I am 3 years old. More than a year ago I was told I had cancer. I don't know much about this disease, except that it has meant a lot of nights in the hospital, many days in the clinic, a million shots, no hair and lots of days having my Mom carry me around because I couldn't walk. On top of the Down Syndrome I was born with, the last year has been confusing and scary.

For my Mom and Dad, the past year has meant sleepless nights and a lot of sadness. My brothers, Paul (14) and Jeffrey (5), and my big sister, Emily (12), have loved me so much and given up a big part of being a kid so that my family could all focus on me. I love them very much.

At the end of May, we were all treated to six wonderful days in Florida, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Give Kids the World. There were too many highlights to list, but some of the most favorites were the carousel rides at the Give Kids the World Village, the teacup rides at Disney World, the Barney playland at Universal Studios and snuggling into Winnie the Pooh's lap. (Pooh is my favorite character!!) Each day we were surprised with extra goodies and toys, extra tickets and lots of extra kindness. Best of all was the chance to have my family together in a happy place instead of a hospital room.

I am told that your company is one of the helpers of this great program. I want you to know that you have blessed me and my whole family. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Our recent visit to GKTW was a magical experience, as you may know if you have ever visited The Village. Though Kelsie's (age 6) "wish" was to see Barney in person, we were given so much more...from the parks and attractions, to the food and amenities of The Village. Everywhere we turned, there seemed to be something else provided, free phone calls, snacks, laundry detergent, sunscreen, and to my amazement, even medical care when she got sick one day_there was nothing that someone hadn't thought of.

There are no words to adequately express our gratitude for your generosity in supporting this wonderful experience. The most overwhelming aspect for me as a mother was that there could be so many people who not only cared, but were willing to give to us. Having a child with a rare medical disorder, special education needs, and most recently, cancer, the world can be such a lonely place. Lots of "why?" "what next?" "how?" and, unfortunately, "how much?" With your support, we had a week where we were confronted instead with "why not?" "whatever you want," "have more," "how can we help?" and "it's free."

Thank you for giving Kelsie her wish of an unforgettable visit with Barney. And thank you for giving me a glimpse into a world of unconditional love, caring, sharing and support. Please keep giving to families who so desperately need to be recharged. For too many of us, you are the only oasis we will visit. Without you, too many will never have any.

My name is Leroy. A few months ago my family received some devastating news about my son, Charles. Charles is a beautiful 6-year-old boy. He has always had a little trouble keeping up with the other children, but we detected nothing that indicated a serious problem.

Recently, Charles was diagnosed with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. This is a slow-acting terminal illness without a cure. It will slowly degenerate his musculature until finally he is bound to a wheelchair. The doctors say he will die before the age of 20. As you can imagine, this change's one's priorities when it comes to raising a child. This has changed my role as a father. Now, I am more inclined to fulfill my son's wishes and desires than before. At this time, Charles can do almost anything any other 6-year-old can do without too much difficulty. But we don't know how long this will be the case.

When I found out about Charles' condition, I asked him if he could have anything he wanted, what it would be. He hesitated for a moment, and then came up with three things, 1) Go to Disneyworld; 2) Get a guitar; 3) Meet a particular rock star. I bought Charles a guitar for his birthday, and he will soon meet the rock star, but with my families' budget I couldn't figure a way to arrange a Disneyworld trip for him.

This is the point the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Give Kids the World Village came into play. They made the Disneyworld trip possible in a way I never would have been able to do. The experience was fantastic. Make-a-Wish Foundation provided our travel expenses, spending money, and transportation, whereas Give Kids the World provided theme park passes, meals, and accommodations fitting a child's fantasy. It was as if the weight of the world was lifted from everyone's shoulders for a short time. It was nice to see everyone smiling again.

It is my understanding your organization is a supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and/or Give Kids the World Village. I would, on behalf of my family thank you wholeheartedly, and implore your organization to continue the good work with these foundations. Many children suffer from terminal illnesses and these foundations give an opportunity for these children to experience the good side of human nature.

Thank you and best wishes.

I want to begin with a special thank you for providing breakfast and dinner to the families at the Give Kids the World Village in Florida. My son, Brandon, was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia last January, 1997. By the grace of God, he is doing very well throughout the chemotherapy and should be finished sometime next year.

We were blessed with the trip to the Village during the week of June 14-19, 1998. When we saw the Gingerbread House where breakfast and dinner were served, we were all amazed! That house is a dream come true for children (and adults, too!). We were all fascinated by the peppermint candies made inside the tables. Brandon had fun trying to count them.

The volunteers who served the meals and carried our trays were so pleasant and sweet. My family loved the cafeteria style way of getting our food. We had fried chicken one evening that was great. The kids loved the night when corn dogs were served! Every breakfast meal was as exceptional! French toast sticks and pancakes are my kid's favorite foods!

The Disney characters visited our breakfast on two different mornings! They went from table to table to visit the kids. That truly was a highlight of our mealtimes!

I am so thankful for companies like you to help families like us make a dream of this magnitude come true! May God bless you for your generosity and support for Give Kids the World. We have lifelong memories from our visit that we'll cherish forever!

I had a very nice time at Florida. The thing that I liked the best was being at Kids Village. I had fun at the red cabboose. My villa was very nice. The food at the GingerBread house was delicious. I had a great time at Walt Disney World. My favorite rides were Star Tours and It's a Small World.

The service was great. I wish my stay at Kids Village would never end.