Michael is an outgoing 7-year-old boy, recently diagnosed with pontine glioma (a tumor on the brain stem), after his parents noticed he was favoring the left side of his body when he walked and played soccer. Like most boys his age, he loves to play outside. You can usually find him either playing in his tree houses in his backyard in West Point or running around playing “farm.”

When Michael found out that he was going to get a visit from two wish-granting volunteers, he started thinking about what his wish was going to be…but not for long. He wished to go to Walt Disney World® Resort with his family to see his favorite character, Donald Duck.

Michael, his parents and younger brother, Nicholas, began their trip with a stay at Omaha’s Courtyard Marriott the night before they left. When they arrived and saw their room fully decorated Disney style, they were so excited they hardly slept. And a short night it was, as their V.I.P. limo driver greeted them at 4:30 am for their trip to the airport.

Michael and his family had a great time at Disney World. His favorite parts were the Dolphin Show at Sea World, the Stunt Show at MGM Disney Studio and meeting Donald Duck. He also really enjoyed swimming in the evenings at Give Kids the World. They had a great trip and in the words of his dad, “It was a blast!”