Alissa is a very active nine year old with a love for music. She enjoys singing at parties and dancing whenever she can. She’s a great story writer and loves trying her hand at roller-skating. She has an outgoing personality and a beautiful smile, which shines the brightest when she’s doing something that she enjoys.

Alissa also has Long QT syndrome. This is a heart condition that causes arrhythmia and frequent fainting. Alissa has had a defibrillator implanted in her chest to regulate her heartbeat, to detect cardiac arrhythmia and correct it by delivering a jolt of electricity. At one point, Alissa even had to undergo surgery to replace her defibrillator, which had broken inside of her chest. She cannot overexert herself in physical activities and also endures regular doctor’s appointments to check up on her heart.

Alissa had a great time at Disney World and at the Pirates Dinner Adventure! She got to dress up as her favorite princess and enjoy some real VIP treatment!

In July of 2009, Bryson was diagnosed with a cancerous pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Bryson is the first child in the world to be diagnosed with this type of cancer, which makes treatment very difficult since there are no facts or other cases to compare it to. Doctors have removed three tumors already from his body. They have also discovered 12 additional lumps on his liver. The cancer has begun to spread to Bryson’s bloodstream as well.

Bryson just loved having a day of shopping all to himself. He got to pick out everything he wanted and more! Bryson even got to ride in a limo!

Cade was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in May of 2008. This is a progressive and degenerative illness that affects every muscle in the body. Cade is unable to walk long distances and relies on a stroller or wheelchair for mobility. He also needs braces at night.

Cade had a wonderful time on his trip to the Florida theme parks. He visited the Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios and Sea World. It was a dream come true for such a special young boy!