Courtney & Belle

Courtney and her Dad at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park .

Courtney loved going on all the rides.

Courtney enjoyed an evening at her favorite theme park.

COURTNEY’S MAGIC WEEK IN THE
MAGIC KINGDOM®

Courtney’s wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort was a source of much joy and excitement for her entire family. “Before the wish we were all so excited,” says Courtney’s mother Arleen. “We had a calendar and we were counting down the days!”

That excitement helped 9-year-old Courtney stay bright and happy throughout the day-to-day challenges of living with leukemia. No matter how many doctor’s visits or treatments Courtney went through, she always remained bubbly and smiling when thinking about all the fun things she would do on her wish.

The week of wishes and magic began when Courtney and her family headed to Florida, where they stayed at Give Kids The World Village, a nonprofit resort specially created for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. There, Courtney warmed up her fun muscles with free ice cream and swimming before heading to Disney’s Magic Kingdom® Theme Park, where all of her dreams came to life!

“We thought she might get scared of some of the rides,” says Arleen, “but she loved every one she went on!  She also LOVED the attention she got around the park from the staff and characters – and she met a LOT of them!”

Their time away from their medical-related stresses in the Magic Kingdom® let Courtney’s family enjoy just being a family again. But the most magical part of the trip? “The best part was I got to do whatever I wanted for one whole week!” says Courtney.

Courtney and her family returned home to Chippewa Falls with photos and memories of the wish experience that will continue to provide them with hope, strength and joy for years to come.

“We really just can’t say enough words to describe how wonderful Courtney’s wish truly was,” says Arleen. “Thank you all for such a great experience.”

Wish Granters: Doris and Carol Davis
Sponsors: Michael’s Team – Walk & Run for Wishes 2007