Whirlwind Disney jaunt thrills Oliver children
Monday, 19 December 2011 00:23
by Lyonel Doherty
Not too many people get their own sheriff and police escort at one of the most “funnest” places on earth.
But 11-year-old Jessica Billups from Oliver got just that during a whirlwind trip to Disneyland as part of Wendy’s Dreamlift Day last week.
She was one of 70 children in the Okanagan who participated in the annual event, which includes an all-expense paid trip to Disneyland for children suffering from illness and/or disability.
Jessica, who has cerebral palsy, was recommended for eligibility by Sally Lindley-Jones, a physiotherapist in Osoyoos who’s been a Dreamlift volunteer for four years.
“It’s magical . . . it’s mind boggling,” said Lindley-Jones, who feels privileged to be able to watch the kids’ faces when they’re at Disneyland. (No parents are allowed on the trip, only volunteers.)
Jessica’s mom, Celine Goulet, said the trip was absolutely fantastic . . . a dream of a lifetime for Jessica. “I never would have been able to do this for her. This was her special day.”
It was also special for Alexandra (Pip) Lock and Serenity Craigie-Manson, also from Oliver. They, too, were selected for the program.
Goulet said each child had his or her own sheriff who accompanied the children in Disneyland. This allowed them to get into exclusive events and activities (through the back door). Jessica said her female sheriff was really nice and a lot of fun.
All the children were transported around via wheelchair so they wouldn’t get tired of walking.
The most fun part of the trip for Jessica was going on nine carnival rides, including the train/rollercoaster ride in Thunder Mountain and the log ride at Splash Mountain.
She also marvelled at the Disney Christmas parade. “It looked like summer, so it was really confusing (with all the Christmas lights),” Jessica noted.
Lindley-Jones said it was amazing to witness so many “firsts” for Jessica. For example, it was her first plane ride, her first trip to Disneyland, and her first police escort.
“The worst part about it was after 20 hours of stimulation we had to give the kids back to their parents. Then I was all alone and burst into tears.”
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