Letter for Give Kids the World

Give Kids the World contacted us last week and asked us if we'd be willing to write a short letter for a book they're compiling for their high-level donors.  We said we'd LOVE to help!!  I've wanted to write on here about how much GKTW has meant to our family, so I'll just post our letter. 

"I can't believe so many people would do this for us!"  We had just found out Cicily's wish would be granted and that our whole family would be staying at Give Kids the World.  We gathered around the computer and were giddy with excitement looking at all the magic GKTW has to offer.  Cicily's big sister Maya asked how much this would all cost us and when she heard it was free, she was in awe.  "I can't believe so many people would do this for us!" Maya said. 
Our week at Give Kids the World was even more than we expected.  Maya, Cicily and Sophie  loved walking out of our villa in the morning and playing on a dream of a playground, going horseback riding, or having a turn on the carousel.  While we were at the amusement parks they talked about the amazing activities GKTW had planned for us that night. 
For our family GKTW is a little slice of heaven.  A place where our family could all be together to relax, laugh, play and make memories.  We won't always have our Cicily with us, but we'll always have the joyful memories of our time with her at GKTW.  We offer our heartfelt gratitude to all the many people who would do this for us! 
With love,
Chris & Janalyn
Maya (7), Cicily (5), Sophie (1)

The letter doesn't really discuss one of the most important things we love about GKTW though.  The kind loving feeling that permeates every part of that village.  It comes from all the "angel" volunteers.  Every single one of them was kind and caring to our whole family.  We never felt like we were just one more family.  It's amazing to us that GKTW hosts families each week of the year, but they make each one feel special and loved.  We were so impressed with the volunteers from all walks of life: retirees, high school students, college sorority sisters, Disney employees, and other local residents. 
Cicily's wish trip was an experience we could never buy or reproduce.  We're so happy to be able to help GKTW in this small way by being part of their book.