Make-A-Wish North Texas has partnered with American Airlines to give about two dozen families a trip to Disney World. Make-A-Wish announced the trip Wednesday at American's headquarters in Fort Worth.
Parents knew about the plans ahead of time; kids did not. American handed out envelopes with boarding passes and had kids open them at the same time.
"They were in shock," Natalia Pinilla said of her two kids. She says they call Disney World the "House of Mickey Mouse."
One of her kids has cancer. She and her husband will take both kids on the flight later this spring.
"He's having the battle of his life, and this is a dream coming true," Pinilla says.
"All of a sudden, it creates a sense of, 'Wait, I get to just go be a kid. I don't have to worry about my doctors' visits, I don't have to worry about treatment.' Mom and dad don't have to think about health insurance for a while," says Make-A-Wish North Texas Chief Executive Kim Elenez.
Kids were taking pictures with pilots and families were meeting with each other at American headquarters. Elenez says the nonprofit works year round to help families have a positive experience and build hope. She says one of the most rewarding parts of her job is seeing kids' reactions when they learn they are getting a trip or experience they can look forward to.
"It's the most explosive and melting feeling all at the same time," she says. "The look on their face that says, 'I've been going through some really tough stuff, and my wish is coming true?' It just makes you think, 'How can I do more? Give me more of them.' We want to grant all the wishes for kids who are waiting."
Elenez says Make-A-Wish North Texas has been working with American 35 years. The airline says crew members look forward to flights like this.
"It's something fun for all our team members," says Kim Cisek, vice president of customer experience at American Airlines. "That's what we're asking the families to do: Go have fun. Enjoy this experience. Hopefully, they can see and feel the support and excitement from our team members as they travel to Orlando."
Cisek says American's purpose "is to care for people on life's journey." She says the flights give families a chance to connect with each other.
"That is a lasting memory we can have. We are so absolutely proud of being a longstanding partner of Make-A-Wish, so we get to do this again," Cisek says.
More information about Make-A-Wish North Texas is available HERE.
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