Make-A-Wish sends 15 children on Disney World trip
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Fifteen children battling critical illnesses took off on a chartered flight Tuesday as part of a Make-A-Wish trip to Walt Disney World, complete with a celebration at the airport and a festive sendoff.
Among the travelers was 7-year-old Alonza Garvin of Northeast Philadelphia, who boarded the flight with her family after celebrating her birthday the day before.
"I'm going to Disney World!" Alonza said.
Asked about the trip, she added that she was "Infinity percent excited!"
The trip was organized by Make-A-Wish, a nonprofit that grants wishes for children facing critical illnesses. Alonza, who has sickle cell disease, is one of 15 children whose wishes are being fulfilled through the experience.
"She's a warrior for sure. She's my girl," said her mother, Tamarah Garvin of Northeast Philadelphia.
Garvin said her daughter regularly undergoes medical treatment.
"She gets transfusions every few weeks, has to go to doctor's appointments," she said.
For the Garvin family, the trip offers a chance to spend time together away from hospitals and medical appointments.
Before departure, families attended a celebration at the gate that featured a DJ, food and special appearances.
Jennifer Davis, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, said the event was designed to create joyful memories for participating families.
"Sometimes I wonder if I get more out of this than the families do," Davis said.
"Today is all about just celebrating joy and making positive and happy memories during a really dark time for some of these families, and so we're just so happy to be part of it," she added.
The surprises continued as families prepared for takeoff, with members of the fire department taking part in the sendoff, creating a water rainbow above the plane.
The trip will include five days of activities, including theme parks, character meetups and Disney fireworks, giving families an opportunity to create lasting memories together.
For the children and their families, the journey marked the beginning of what organizers hope will be an unforgettable experience.
