I wish to go to Walt Disney World^® Resort

Chase was nine years old when his world was flipped upside down. He began experiencing back pain, but his parents attributed it to him horsing around with his brother. They took him to see a chiropractor who grew concerned after the pain persisted, so he was sent for an x-ray which came back clean. It wasn’t until his teacher called his family because he couldn’t walk that he was eventually diagnosed with a spinal tumour. Immediately following his diagnosis, he had emergency neurosurgery to remove the tumour, limiting the potential damage to his spine. Following the surgery, Chase did nine months of physiotherapy at a rehab facility before finding out the tumour had grown, so he needed a second surgery. After the second surgery, he was released and underwent daily chemotherapy for 12 weeks, followed by more rehabilitation. It was during Chase’s rehabilitation that he met a friend named Nolan, who is also facing a critical illness. Watch the story about Chase and Nolan’s friendship here.

Chase and his family have always been fans of all things Disney, specifically Star Wars, so his wish was an easy choice. Little did he know that Nolan and his family would also be on their wish trip at the same time! When they landed at the Orlando airport, they were greeted like celebrities with clapping and cheering from Make-A-Wish and West Jet employees. After hopping in their rental car – that Chase got to pick the colour of – they headed to Give Kids The World Village, a resort for children facing critical illnesses, where they were blown away with the treatment they received.

From going on all the rides, to meeting his favourite Star Wars characters, Chase got to do everything that was on his list. A key moment that Chase’s mom Kristy will remember forever was the moment they arrived at Magic Kingdom. “The kids were clapping, the adults were crying, and all of us were in awe of what we were experiencing,” Kristy shared. The trip was very important for Chase and his siblings, allowing them to strengthen their bond. “Everyday brought new adventures and excitement and the opportunity of meeting great people. It’s safe to say that the whole trip was a highlight for us,” Kristy shared. Chase and his family feel that this wish trip was the perfect way to close this chapter of their lives.