In Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Make-A-Wish has surprised a young four-year-old boy who survived stage-4 cancer with a trip to Walt Disney World.
A Disney vacation can create magical moments for any Guest of any age, especially the youngest Disney fans who retain their child-like innocence and sense of whimsy. Unfortunately, for children such as four-year-old King Wilson, strife and trauma can mar the happy thoughts of childhood, making the ability to find special joy at Disney Park that much more meaningful.
RELATED: Disney Joins Pledge to End Cancer Stigma
King Wilson received his cancer diagnosis almost three years ago, back in July 2020. Fortunately, after a hard-won fight and five rounds of chemo, the young boy was able to overcome his stage four Neuroblastoma. Moreover, mother Joi Wilson shared with Fox Carolina that he also underwent a bone marrow transplant, making his level of perseverance astonishing for someone his age!
Luckily, the young cancer survivor has been in remission for almost one year, to the relief and joy of his many loved ones, all of whom want to see him happy and able to enjoy his childhood cancer-free now. Of course, part of this means celebrating his good health and coming together to uplift King.
RELATED: Walt Disney Company Brings Magic to Children’s Hospitals
For example, on Sunday, during the honorary “King Wilson Day” celebration in his hometown, King’s family, friends, and neighbors awarded him a key to the city alongside Fountain Inn Mayor GPMcLeer. In fact, the mayor said he found the young boy’s “bravery and strength” while battling cancer an inspiration for the community.
Moreover, Joi voiced her gratitude for all the support for her son after every challenge he’s faced, everyone coming together to celebrate King. Now, King will have one more surprise to commemorate his remission, and one which his mom says has been on his mind for a lifetime: a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, courtesy of Make-A-Wish, which has a history of providing magical Disney trips for struggling families.
RELATED: Paralyzed Disney World Cast Member Returns to Work With the Help of a Medical Marvel
Indeed, King’s wish is just one of 255 different requests to be granted this year in South Carolina from chronically and/or terminally ill youth. Make-A-Wish South Carolina Board Member Bill Smith calls this providing a “rainbow” at the end of a child’s battle to beat cancer, reminiscing on the feeling of seeing a family light up at the thought of a special memory for their child.
The entire Wilson family heads off to the Most Magical Place on Earth this Saturday, and we at DisneyDining wish them the most wonderful, well-deserved time!