Name: Kyler
Age: 3
State: OH

Four-year-old Kyler of Ashtabula was born with giant congenital melancytic nevus, a potentially cancerous growth on the skin. The only way to remove the nevi is through numerous and complicated surgical procedures. In Kyler’s case, however, it is impossible to remove the entire growth, which covers 2/3 of his leg, and he will need to undergo periodic surgeries. His doctors started to work on removing the growth when he was two. They have also inserted tissue expanders underneath his skin to slowly stretch his skin. The procedures are very painful for Kyler and he will be having yet more procedures in the weeks to come. His mom, Debra, says in spite of it all, Kyler doesn’t let it get him down. “He’s a trooper!”

Kyler’s wish trip to Florida to visit all of the different theme parks there was a truly special time for this amazing little boy. During his busy visit to Orlando, there were few parks that Kyler didn’t hit. He visited Epcot, MGM Studios, the Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and of course, the Magic Kingdom. His favorite? “Islands of Adventure,” laughed Debra. “That was where all of the Superheroes were. He got his picture taken with Spiderman and that just made his day!”

Name: Kayla
Age: 13
State: MI

In 2000, thirteen-year-old Kayla was diagnosed with a condition known as neurofibromatosis. This condition causes tumors to grow anywhere on or in the body. It can also lead to enlargement and deformation of the bones and scoliosis. Kayla struggles daily with a number of complications of the disease. She has a tumor wrapped around her liver and one that grew on her chest wall resulting in scar tissue on her lungs. Kayla is on various medications and must be monitored carefully by her doctors.

Despite all of the pain and discomfort she endures, Kayla is one of the most kind-hearted young ladies you will ever meet. Her bright eyes and beautiful smile convey this to everyone she meets and every animal she pets. Speaking of animals, Kayla’s gentle nature has lead to a desire to become a veterinary assistant.

The best part of the trip came when Kayla was escorted to the dolphin pool at Sea World and had the chance to pet the dolphins. The interaction with the intelligent animals was something that Kayla will treasure for years to come. Another highlight of the wish came when she got her picture taken with Scooby Doo at Universal Studios. Kayla had so much fun in Orlando, but her absolute favorite part of the trip was just being a normal teenager.

Name: Amy
Age: 13
State: FL

13-year-old Amy has spina bifida, a neural tube defect that occurs when the spinal column fails to close completely. The condition has affected the lower half of Amy’s body and she is confined much of the time to a wheelchair. In 2004, her doctors then discovered that Amy has a condition known as syringomyelia, which causes cysts to develop within the spinal cord. In addition, Amy has Chiari malformation, a structural defect in the cerebellum that causes a blockage in the flow of the fluid that protects the brain.

Amy had a full itinerary for her trip to Orlando to visit all of the theme parks there. In addition to the Magic Kingdom and Sea World, Amy hit the Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. “We were themed out!” laughed her mom, Jane. Amy returned home from her trip tired, but with plenty of pictures and even more wonderful memories.