Give Kids the World Village
We had no idea Give Kids the World Village (GKTW) existed until we were granted our Make-a-Wish Canada trip. Give Kids the World Village is a resort located in central Florida, where children with critical illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free vacations. Since GKTW opened its doors in 1986, they have welcomed more than 177,000 families from 76 countries and from all States in the U.S.
Give Kids the World Village exists due to generous donors, community partners and most importantly, their volunteers. The volunteers are the heart and soul at GKTW. Throughout our stay, there were several volunteers who left an imprint on our hearts, who took the time to get to know our family, our story, and how we were coping. There were several volunteers I will never forget:
Aaron - a teenage volunteer from Texas, who served Paige seven pieces of bacon (she had a major crush on him, it was so cute).
Threesa - main organizer for a mission trip for ~40 participants from Texas, including her daughter to volunteer at GKTW.
And lastly, I will never forget Danni - a longstanding volunteer whose family stayed at the Village many years ago. Her daughter passed away in 2020, and she was the first bereaved parent I met. We connected instantly. She understood what it was like to be a full-time caregiver, and the mental, physical and emotional toll it takes on a mother, and the immediate family. I remember her telling me, "hang in there mama." And I cried. Danni understood what I was going through, something only another mother who has walked the same unfortunate path would understand.
The Village
The Village was absolutely magical. It has a ice cream parlour that opens at 7:30 am, a beautiful waterpark and pool area, banyan trees and an amusement park.
Penn’s dream! Ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We often would make a pit stop at Starlite for their Dasani flavoured sparkling water.
The ice cream parlour all to ourselves! I appreciated the vegan ice cream options.
The amusement park. Paigey went on all of the rides, including the train ride around the park, twice.
The Castle of Miracles
The Castle of Miracles is a place that houses special stars - representing each wish child that has stayed at the Village. When you enter the Castle of Miracles, you can't help but be overwhelmed with the sheer number of stars - 177,000. Penn placing her star in the Castle was an emotional experience. We knew that when we return one day, it would be without her. We were comforted to know, that her star will always be at the Castle, shining bright and providing hope to other wish families.
Stars shining onto Penn, including her own special star.
Double Rainbow
On our last day in Florida, was stayed at the Village. And it was the first time we saw a double rainbow, end to end. Even the volunteers and staff at the Village were amazed and had not seen or experienced anything like this before. Sheldon and I saw this as a sign. We shouldn't be sad even though our hearts knew Penn's time with our family was ending. She completed her bucket list and it was only a matter of time until she would depart us. I told myself that if I were ever to see another double rainbow, it's Penn Penn reminding me not to be sad. That I should be happy. And to remember the good times we had together on our last trip as a family of four.
A huge thank you to Give Kids the World Village, for taking care of us during our stay. We have so many wonderful memories, and would love to volunteer and visit one day when we’re ready.