Local Nonprofit Treats 16 Children With Illnesses, Families Go on Vacation to Disneyland

SWEATWATER, Florida. (WSVN) – A group of kids fighting difficult medical battles, along with their families, made their Disney dreams come true thanks to a non-profit organization in South Florida.

7News cameras captured young travelers bound for Central Florida as they boarded a Disney on Wheels bus in Sweetwater on Friday.

The annual trip, sponsored by the Lil Abner Foundation, gives 16 children and their families the chance to visit Disney parks.

The health problems these children face have become a financial burden for these families, but a two-day vacation won’t cost them a dime.

“I am the adoptive parent of one of the outgoing children and the adoptive mother. I’m so excited for this weekend,” said one of the adults heading to Disneyland.

Before heading north, the group received a special send-off.

“This is a revelation, right? Simple happiness,” said Raul Rodriguez, founder of the Lil Abner Foundation.

Some children traveled to theme parks in donated non-emergency ambulances. Those who boarded the Disney on Wheels bus were joined by over 60 volunteers, including nurses, therapists, paramedics and police officers.

“This is a long-term event that we are preparing to help these children – who either have a terminal illness or paralysis or both – we will take them to Disney World for the weekend,” Rodriguez said.

The nonprofit funded a once-in-a-lifetime trip to help make the dreams of these 16 children a reality.

“It’s not easy to bring them to Disney. Even if they have the funds, it is very difficult to organize their trip to Disney,” said Diana Insignares, family outreach coordinator for the Lil Abner Foundation.

Experience the magic of Disney for yourself is the number one wish of a lifetime for every one of these kids.

“It’s the most amazing, amazing experience,” Incinarez said.

The group will head to Magic Kingdom on Saturday.

The organizers said they expect tears.

“It gets a little emotional, right? Because these kids, the very fact that they are there, are smiling and crying,” Rodriguez said.

The trip would cost $2,500 per person, but thanks to the Lil Abner Foundation, it’s free.

Everyone returns on Sunday.

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