I wish to go to a Florida theme park

When Braelynn was 14 months old, her parents noticed that she was not meeting the typical physical milestones of most children her age. After seeing different specialists, she was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type two, a neuromuscular disease causing extreme muscle weakness and impacting the ability to move, eat, and breathe.

Braelynn has used a power wheelchair since the age of three, she has a weak respiratory system and requires assistance with daily activities such as eating and getting dressed. She has multiple specialists and therapists that provide her care and her life has been filled with unending medical appointments and therapies.

“At first it was devastating,” Braelynn’s mom, Maylia, shared. “Watching your child get weaker and lose abilities made us feel hopeless.”

The treatment options for Braelynn were very expensive, making it impossible for her to get. When she was two and a half years old, her parents were able to get her into a clinical trial for gene therapy. This treatment stopped the disease from progressing further.

“Trying to learn the ins and outs of her disease was tough and confusing,” Maylia shared. “Ultimately, we got the hang of it and have learned so much from others with disabilities.”

Now eight years old, Braelynn is such a light in this world, advocating for other children with disabilities. She’s doing well, taking daily medication to keep her diagnosis under control, though it’s likely that she will have to undergo multiple spine surgeries in the near future due to worsening scoliosis as a result of her diagnosis.
Braelynn dreamed of one day getting to explore sunny Florida, inspiring her wish to go to a Florida theme park. She had heard that at Give Kids the World Village, a resort for children with critical illnesses, there is free unlimited ice cream and rides to enjoy.

“Her dad and I are most excited about seeing her forget about her diagnosis for a while and enjoy all the special experiences she might have,” Maylia shared. “Going forward, I hope she is reminded that her disability doesn’t stop her from getting to do amazing things and that she will always remember the special time we spent together.”

This April, Braelynn’s wish came true. She travelled with her family to Florida and explored all the rides the parks had to offer. Her wish brought joy and hope amid her tough medical journey, and Braelynn made memories that will last a lifetime.