Benji’s disney dream makes for the perfect wish
Benji is a 4-year-old boy from Viriginia who was approved for a rush wish from the MLF in January. His one wish? To meet Mirabelle of Encanto at Disney. His second wish? Meet Poppy at Universal in honor of his late sister, Lorelei who passed away at the age of 5 in 2021 from the same mitochondrial disease.
Fortunately, we were able to send the family to the Give Kids the World resort in February! His enthusiasm of the village, Disney, Stitch, Universal, Poppy, Mirabelle, Music, and his momma is all so contagious, even without him saying one word. The Marty Lyons Foundation coordinated a camper van as safe transportation to and from Florida. He had a magical time – including a private meeting and dance with Mirabelle, a private wand ceremony at Ollivander’s shop at Universal, and plenty of quality family fun time. Extra magic was cast on the trip when Benji’s grandparents, aunt and uncle met him at Give Kids the World!
Mom said: “Two hours after Benji was discharged yesterday I received a phone call from the Marty Lyons Foundation. Behind the scenes, Benji’s care team has worked together with this organization so that he can meet Mirabelle and Stitch. So, I will cling to the excitement, the gift, the joy, the magic. I will follow the words his doctor sent me: ‘Take your son to Disney. Do it and don’t look back.’ We will be doing Benji-style-Disney very soon. Time to focus on the light, hope, joy and excitement of this gift we have been given. Benji is one very lucky little boy.”
