HALEY ALWAYS PUTS OTHERS FIRST
So typical of Haley, she always thinks of others first, and did
so even when asked what her wish might be.
Haley, 11, is from Panama, Nebraska. She loves so many things:
rice krispie bars, softball, reading mysteries, watching Emeril
on the Food Network – so it was difficult trying to decide
her wish. After months of contemplating, she finally met with
her wish- granting volunteers, and told them that her wish
was to go to Walt Disney World® Resort with her family,
to visit the theme parks and see the ocean. She based her
decision upon the facts that she knew her parents had been
to Florida and had seen the ocean, and Haley thought that
sounded great; she knew that her sister, Hanna, would enjoy
the theme parks a lot, too; and she wanted to bring along
a special friend.
Haley was diagnosed with Wilm’s tumor in August, 2003, just
weeks before Josh, age 3, from Lincoln, was diagnosed with
the same illness. Josh and Haley met at Children’s Hospital
in Omaha, and they became fast friends, as did their families.
Haley loves little kids, and played with Josh and loved him
like a little brother. Josh had wished to go to Animal Kingdom,
to go on a safari and see all of his favorite animals. Due
to the aggressive progression of his disease, Josh was never
able to go on his trip and died in December, just days before
his 5th birthday.
Haley knew how sad Josh’s sister and his family were, so
she made one special request for her trip to Disney: to bring
along Jessica, Josh’s sister. The request was brought to the
Governing Board, and was unanimously and compassionately approved.
A special party was planned just so Haley could surprise Jessica
and ask her to go along on her wish. Just planning and thinking
about how she was going to ask Jessica was a highlight for
Haley.
Haley and her entourage arrived at their hotel room in Omaha
to find it beautifully decorated, including a basket full
of surprises…even rice krispie bars! Early the next morning
they were transported to the airport, leaving the ice and
snow behind to find themselves in 80-degree Florida weather!
Two days were spent at Animal Kingdom to honor Josh. Other
favorite days were spent on the beach, and at Universal Studios…but
let’s not forget Sea World; that was a highlight, too!
Haley has had to endure many difficult treatments. Even while
in Florida, she was feeling the side effects of these treatments,
but never let that get her down, and marveled everyone at
Give Kids The World with her beautiful smile. Our thoughts
and prayers go out to Haley and her family, as she faces new
treatments at St. Jude’s Hospital.
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