Dallas-Fort Worth children with life-threatening illnesses granted wishes with a trip to Orlando

by PegNews wire

One child peers out the window as they take off to Orlando, Fla.

DALLAS — Thirty-one courageous wish kids participated in American Airlines' 14th annual WishFlight this year. WishFlight, Something mAAgic’s annual marquee event, sends children with life-threatening medical conditions (and their families) to Florida for a seven-day retreat.

Connection and arrival celebrations took place at airports in Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, and Miami. These events, hosted by American Airlines, American Eagle, and American Airlines Federal Credit Union employee volunteers, include decorations, games, cheering volunteers, and cake for all passengers. The Orlando airport arrival celebration also included various festivities as children and their families began their magical vacations.

The kids and their families will be gone for seven days in Orlando for a week full of happiness, theme parks, and hospital-free fun.

“WishFlight is designed for children and their families to replace their daily routine of medical treatments and hospital visits with a week of happy memories and hope,” said Todd Fairbanks, executive director of the Something mAAgic Foundation. “For 13 years, this program has made dreams come true for kids around the world.”

During their stay at the Give Kids The World Village, each wish family will enjoy accommodations in their own villa and meals onsite at the Gingerbread House Restaurant. The Village, complete with a wheelchair-accessible carousel, an Ice Cream Palace, movie theatre, and a boundless playground, was designed to delight children of all ages.