Laila, 4

Cancer

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort®  

Laila’s wish to go to Walt Disney World was a needed respite from the stress and fear and marked the first family vacation ever for Laila, her mom, dad, and older sister. 

For 4-year-old Laila, her wish meant experiencing many “firsts,” including her first plane ride, her first time eating a pretzel bigger than her head and her first trip to Walt Disney World Resort®. 

Laila loves everything Disney, especially dressing up as Anna from the movie, Frozen. Since being diagnosed with cancer, Laila and her family have missed out on a lot. Laila was diagnosed shortly after her first birthday and has been in and out of the hospital ever since. 

“She’s always been happy no matter the treatment she’s been going through,” said Robi. “She still manages to keep a smile on her face.” 

“We finally had our first family vacation,” reflected Robi. “We really needed that trip. We had a blast! There were moments we got teary eyed that we got qualified to even do this. It was nice for us to have a week to not think about anything. It was a release. It was really like heaven for kids and families. It’s hard to explain and detail exactly how we all felt in that moment, and for that entire week. I didn’t want to go home. It was a stress release. 

Everything was taken care of. We’re used to having to take care of her and each other, emotionally. It was so nice to have someone take care of us. We got to just get up and go. To not have to worry, it definitely helps.” Robi said it’s a trip they will never forget. “We’re just grateful.”