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“Where Happiness Inspires Hope” — that’s not just a clever tagline. That’s (GKTW) mission. ��, children with life-threatening illnesses and their families are treated to week long, cost-free fantasy vacations complete with accommodations in whimsical villas, transportation, donated attractions tickets, meals, entertainment and much more��at this 70-acre, non-profit “storybook” resort in Central Florida.

Since 1986,��GKTW has welcomed more than 120,000 families from all 50 states and more than 74 countries, including Phillip, who is celebrating his 20th year of remission. ��Phillip and his family recently returned to GKTW to volunteer and shared their inspirational story, where it was ���� last week. ��We’d like to thank Give Kids The World for sharing that story with us below.

There’s an inspiring story behind every wish family at the Village, and a community with a courageous message to share with other children and their families. Give Kids The World is honored to be a part of this community and we are fortunate to welcome back wish families often. When wish children return to the Village as volunteer Angels, conversations that strike up over an ice cream scoop often end with a special bond of joy and encouragement.

When Phillip and his family returned to the Village, they came prepared to share their inspirational story by volunteering in celebration of Phillip’s 20th year of remission. Phillip first visited the Village for his wish trip in 1994. “The time here let us connect as a family again. We could relax and enjoy our time. We could enjoy him,” said Phillip’s mother, Jodi.

“The first time we visited, the Village was still so new. It is amazing to come back and see how contributions from volunteers and sponsors can make so much possible,” said Jim, Phillip’s father. Since Phillip’s wish trip, the growing family has made it a point to visit the Village and share their magical memories with Phillip’s siblings, Sarah and Will. “It is important for them to see why we are so grateful. That is why we wanted to come back to volunteer.”

Jodi recalled how much meeting other families with similar stories had helped inspire hope, and was eager to have the opportunity to offer the same hope to others. Phillip and his family toured the Village, making sure to take their traditional family photo with the Village’s sleepy grandfather clock and then set off to volunteer at Village Idol.

“What a way to spend a night on our family vacation – giving back to an organization that means so much to our family,” said Jodi. “It was so nice to see how organized and dedicated the staff and volunteers are to the Village Idol program. You can tell the kids were able to put aside their illnesses for a few hours and really enjoy each other’s performances.”

Thank you, to Phillip, Jodi, Jim, Sarah and Will, for returning to the Village to share your hope! We are honored to be a part of your story.

For more information on Alumni Family opportunities, please visit .��

Want to learn more about Give Kids The World Village?

Web Site:������

Phone:�� 407-396-1114

Mailing Address:�� 210 South Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 32920 2401 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 2401 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 2401 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

E-mail:�� info@miriamskitchen.org�� dream@gktw.org

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