When Blake was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia in 2002 we were devastated. There was little hope in the days that followed as we began to understand just how rare the disease is; affecting one in a million people and typically, older males.

The only known cure for Aplastic Anemia is a bone marrow transplant - the family was tested for a match; all tests came back negative. Blake spent a month in hospital undergoing tests and treatments in hopes that his bone marrow would correct itself. Blake’s happy demeanor kept us going, even though at only 3 years old, he didn’t understand that he was sick.

Several weeks after leaving the hospital his blood counts changed and it appeared his bone marrow was starting to work again! As Blake’s blood counts went higher his blood transfusions became fewer.

When we were approached about a wish for Blake it was obvious this was meant to be as much for his two sisters as it was for him. The three of them decided they would love to go to Disney World. Our family had never been on a vacation of this magnitude, and the kids had never even been on an airplane!

We had the time of our lives at Disney - a holiday we never could imagine. It was nothing short of a dream for the five of us to go away and not think about doctors, needles or medical tests. We have many wonderful memories that will not be forgotten and now have their place in a scrapbook - but the best will live in our hearts forever.

Thank you - The Children’s Wish Foundation - your generosity is incredible.