Those of us who have ever been to Disney realize what a blessing and a privilege it is to vacation at the Happiest/Most Magical Place on Earth.
Disney can also become a place where we celebrate victories in life. Perhaps, there is none bigger than the story of Allisa Zamarripa-Garza.
Allisa was diagnosed with Stage one breast cancer at the age of 29. Below is her story.
On January 6, 2010 I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer at the age of 29. Needless to say, I was afraid. The fear of the unknown was the scariest part.
With the love and support of my husband, my family, my friends, and my community I believed I could overcome and win this battle.
My journey has included a total of four surgeries and two rounds of chemotherapy. I have been blessed with the finest surgeons and staff at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. My doctors have been AMAZING!
My mother encouraged me to celebrate little milestones throughout the journey. So, at first, every 3 months was treated as a victory. Now, every 6 months is celebrated as even a bigger victory.
The highlight of my journey back to wellness came in May of 2012, when my husband and I welcomed a beautiful little girl into the world. She is our miracle baby.
This summer, we decided to celebrate my recovery at Walt Disney World! As a part of the trip, we plan to find the places where we took pictures as teenagers and retake pictures now with our beautiful daughter. (My husband and I went as high school students on a band trip.)
My two best friends have been my rock and my laughter throughout my ordeal. They would always bring me back Disney ornaments on her trips. They used their “Disney Experiences and Influence” to help me plan our vacation.
This week we traveled to Houston for one of my last appointments with my oncologist before my big vacation. She cleared me for another six months!
In other words, in 6 months I will be in full remission.
Which means, I can go to Disney and have a blast!!!! I’m looking forward to celebrating being cancer free with my family at Magic Kingdom!
I’m a SURVIVOR that never gave up and never outgrew my love for Disney!
End of Allisa’s text.
From the author: We are moved beyond words. Thank you Allisa for sharing your story with us. May God bless you and your family with an amazing trip!