Heather's Experience

Everyone said my daughter Heather could light up a room with her sunny disposition and warm personality.  About two months before her 3rd birthday, Heather was diagnosed with Leukemia.  We spent the next fourteen months living much of the time in the hospital while she endured many treatments including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.  Just when we thought she had beaten the Leukemia, she relapsed and the prognosis was dire.  We were very fortunate to receive a Make-A-Wish trip to Give Kids The World Village (GKTW).  GKTW's amazing environment worked its magic from the moment we arrived.   For the first time in over a year, Heather's easy smiling nature returned and she rediscovered the fun of childhood which her illness had stolen from her.  Heather enjoyed every minute of our 6 day stay at GKTW. When we returned home, she resumed medical treatment.  Tragically, two and a half months later, Heather lost her heroic fight.  The pictures of Heather smiling and laughing during our stay at Give Kids The World Village are among the most precious memories I have of our much too short time together.  When I think about Heather the first picture my mind conjures up is the carefree, jubilant child she was while we stayed at GKTW.  My family has long been a strong supporter of Give Kids The World, but I've always wanted to do more.  The GKTW charity bracelet offered on this page is something everyone can feel good about because 100% of profits go directly to the charity.