With a smile as bright as her outfit, Adalee claps her hands in unison with her new friend Minnie Mouse. The three-year-old tells Minnie about her day, shows off her counting skills, and draws a detailed portrait of her. A dance, a few more games, and several hugs later, Adalee continues to glow with delight.
Much more than just a fun trip, Adalee’s wish to go to
Walt Disney World® Resort to meet Minnie Mouse is an opportunity for her and her family to heal and regroup following a very difficult year.
After developing a limp as a toddler, Adalee was eventually diagnosed with multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a rare disease that caused tumors to grow in her leg and rib. This past February, Adalee completed a year of chemotherapy to keep the disease from spreading to her organs. During her treatment, Adalee largely had to stay indoors and limit her contact with others – a challenging limitation for this outgoing child.
“This diagnosis came upon our family in a very sudden manner and we all had to come together and support each other in this new chapter,” says Adalee’s mother, Kayla. When a social worker referred Adalee for a wish, “My family was excited and grateful, as we’d been having a tough time accepting my daughter’s diagnosis.”
Adalee speaks three languages, loves to dance and sing, and is known for her artwork. One look at her bedroom décor and it’s no surprise to learn that she has adored Minnie Mouse since she was an infant.
“My favorite memory from her wish is the smile on her face when she saw Minnie walk into the room!” recalls Kayla. “We created memories that will never be forgotten.”