A 9-year-old Dana Point boy got a star treatment sendoff to the “Most Magical Place on Earth” thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America and strangers who donated thousands of their unused airline miles.
Alexander, who spent years undergoing chemotherapy treatment for his battle against leukemia, was greeted with applause, high-fives and signs of encouragement on Tuesday as he and his parents arrived at John Wayne Airport in Orange County for their sendoff. The boy wished to visit Walt Disney World.
“His wish had to be rescheduled several times because of his health, and they’re finally going after three years,” said Anne Grey, President and CEO of the nonprofit’s Orange County and Inland Empire chapters.
Following years of treatment and stress from his health, Alexander will get to enjoy just being a kid for the next week at the resort.
“The struggle the families go through, the hope, the anticipation of a wish brings to them, so they have something to talk about besides the child’s illness,” Grey said. “Something to look forward to, something to lift their spirits. It helps children be more compliant with their treatment to get strong for their wish.”
The wish was granted through the nonprofit’s “Trips that Transform” program – a three-month campaign that will collect donated airline miles and travel points to fund trips for children.
“Whether you have 1,000 miles or 200,000 miles, it goes a long way,” Grey said. “One round-trip domestic ticket right now is roughly 54,000 miles; So, times that by a family of four or five — it’s a lot of miles that really add up to great memories.”
For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation, click here.