Kuyler's Disney Trip is Much More than a Simple Vacation

When Amanda and Adam adopted siblings Kuyler, Kiandria, and Khylin, they knew that Kuyler had Sickle Cell Anemia, but were not quite sure what to expect. "We've certainly learned about everything over the years, and have made our way through it all as a team," mom Amanda said. Helping this team of seven, including two additional siblings Emma and Ethan, get through some of those difficult times was the thought of Kuyler's Make-A-Wish gift. When Kuyler chose to take a trip to Walt Disney World Resort^®, the family was ecstatic as they packed their bags and flew away on the adventure of a lifetime!

Kuyler's favorite Disney ride was definitely Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. "He loved that ride and rode it nearly 20 times!" his mom told us, adding, "He just had a 'wow' experience there - from the rides to the ice cream palace at Give Kids the World Village where we made our own sundaes. He was in awe!" A true Buzz Lightyear fan, Kuyler also delighted in brand new Buzz sweatshirts for himself and his siblings.

"The wish was a chance to get away. He really had a rough time and was in the hospital frequently for long, painful procedures. On the wish, he left the hospital behind and played everyday. He had a chance to be a kid again," Amanda tells the Foundation. "The wish was restful and helped all of us regain perspective on what is important."

Amanda noted another impact on the family that the wish experience had. It helped change their parenting perspective. "No one ever knows how much time they have, and the wish reminded us to make time for family." Now, this family of seven takes a day every other week to do something fun and spend special time together. Recent ventures include visiting the Kentucky Horsepark, Indianapolis Children's Museum, and Michigan Adventure. "We received special passes at Give Kids the World Village that allow us to visit different parks throughout the states. It's great for us."

While doing well currently, Kuyler's battle has not been an easy one according to Amanda. "He would spend the day at the hospital for a transfusion, and then be sick for a few days, missing three days of school or so. Kuyler would improve after a week and spend two weeks feeling great, but by day 21, he would get very tired and spend more time sleeping. All of this resulted in halted progress in school," Amanda said. "But, Kuyler always worked hard with tutors to try to make things up. He had no chance for down time." He would then start the cycle all over again with a visit to DeVos Children's Hospital. Thankfully, Kuyler has finished these treatments, but they are a reminder of what wish families and children endure as they courageously battle their medical conditions.

"We talk about the wish all the time," Amanda said, "and the kids get their scrapbooks out and keep the memories going." In the words of Kuyler's favorite superhero Buzz Lightyear, we're hoping the memories last To Infinity and Beyond!