Make a Dream Come True for Someone with Epilepsy

We just returned from an amazing 5-day trip with 20 families we hosted at Epilepsy Awareness Educational Expo Day at Disneyland.  These trips are truly life changing for our guests.

It is estimated that 5000 people were at the two-day educational expo, designed for patients and caregivers of those with epilepsy.  On Wednesday, November 6, 2019, those same 5000 +- walked through the gates of Disneyland to raise awareness and make connections.

"This trip means so much to us.  My daughter has been through so much and words cannot express how wonderful it was to see her smile come back!  I was surprised at how quickly everyone became family. We have connected to a few families over the course of the past six years since her diagnoses, but I never expected to feel so comfortable with people I just met.  It is a comfort knowing that there are so many of us that understand exactly what we are going through, whether it is good days or bad days."  Crystal A.

"The entire experience left such a big impression on my heart.  From the flight, to the Expo and Disneyland. To have our son realize he is not in the fight alone, and all the prayers when he had seizures - and no judgement."  Stephanie S.

"The first thing our daughter said upon walking into the expo, "wow, all this is for people like me."  Our week at Disney gave us a chance to slow down from life and have time to talk and laugh with family and friends. It also  meant the world to us to just be around so much purple; knowing they walk along a similar path, being able to smile and connect, and even being able to offer help so a few people could enjoy their  Disney experience more.  It was the best week of our lives!"  Kim N.

Thank you for contributing to this program. 

For the past 7 years, The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation, through a project we fondly call Chelsea's Wish, has provided families with all-expense paid trips to participate in Epilepsy Awareness Educational Expo and Day at Disneyland.  We start accepting nomination forms and award winners through a random drawing each year on July 16th. 

This year, we have awarded 17 families.  These families are from all across the United States and will stay together in the same hotel and gather together each day and form bonds that can not be described in words.  In addition, we will be taking our 2018 top fundraiser for STOMP OUT Epilepsy and SUDEP Awareness Walk/Run and a family who has tried for the last two years to join us, but because of medical emergencies has had to cancel last minute.  We are determined to get them there!   Including 2019, we have had the privilege of hosting 89 families.

"It was such a blessing to be a Chelsea's Wish recipient. It was a week of firsts for my family. Memories we will never forget.  An entire week of no worries with my children just doesn't exist. It's so rare to get to step away from it all. We will forever treasure this trip."  Katie M.

"Seeing my son being able to enjoy a week of life without doctors and therapies is a week we will never forget. Cherishing every moment we have with him, in the most magical place on earth.  The friendships we all build will forwver be ones we will never forget."  Julie O.

Links:

• Chelsea's Wish