A Holiday Soiree, Holiday VIP Tours and Holiday Dessert Parties highlight a season-long series of fundraising experiences that will make wishes possible while giving the public a rare glimpse inside Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) – an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Kissimmee, FL, that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost.
GKTW is gearing up for a season of heartwarming holiday events that not only promise the public a rare glimpse into its enchanting setting adorned with millions of twinkling lights but also aim to fulfill the dreams of critically ill children, including young Wesley Pecqueur.
Wesley’s journey began with a premature birth at just 25 weeks, leading to a lengthy stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A closer examination of his blood work unveiled a troubling discovery – severe congenital neutropenia, a rare condition hindering the production of infection-fighting white blood cells, leaving his immune system vulnerable and frail.
“Wesley’s condition is incredibly elusive, with a high mortality rate in the first year of life without medical intervention,” shares Wendy Pecqueur, Wesley’s mother, reflecting on the challenging road they’ve traversed. “The constant monitoring in the NICU played a vital role in catching the irregularities in his blood counts. It’s astounding to think that his premature birth potentially saved his life.”
Wesley’s battle with the illness demanded an arduous treatment regimen, including injections and a later bone marrow transplant, a procedure fraught with its own set of challenges. Despite a setback with a potential donor, Wesley’s fortunes turned around when a perfect match from Germany stepped in, granting him a second chance at life.
The Pecqueur family’s experience, fraught with isolation and hardship, culminated in a well-deserved getaway to Give Kids The World Village in January 2023. The Village, with its accessible rides, unlimited ice cream, and a nurturing atmosphere, provided a haven for Wesley to reclaim some of his lost childhood moments.
Festivities kick off on Saturday, November 11, with an elegant evening of fundraising and friend making at Give Kids The World’s 2023 Holiday Soiree.
To create similar life-changing opportunities for other deserving families, GKTW has announced a line-up of fundraising events, including an elegant Holiday Soiree on November 11, complete with a charity auction and live entertainment.
A mini-Gala with a holiday twist, the event will feature a plated dinner, live entertainment, and live and silent auctions, followed by a festive party on the Village’s Avenue of Angels. Amidst glittering lights and dazzling décor, guests can dance to a DJ, indulge in delectable desserts and explore the iconic Castle of Miracles: home to the gold stars of every wish child who has visited, with more than 180,000 stars adorning the ceiling.
The Village will also host VIP Tours and Balcony Dessert Parties, offering panoramic views of the dazzling lights. Interested individuals can secure tickets and find further details at www.gktw.org/holidays/.
También te puede interesar: Give Kids The World Village ofrece la oportunidad de ganar unas vacaciones mágicas