Jazmine, with a congenital brain malformation, loved swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove!
Charlie’s Journey of Joy and Magic!
Charlie, diagnosed with profound developmental delays, genetic abnormalities, and seizures, was filled with excitement and unforgettable moments. She explored Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, where she lit up with happiness riding favorites like Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog, Tiana’s Bayou, the E.T. Adventure, and even the thrilling Velocicoaster!
This trip was a week full of magic, laughter, confidence, and memories that she and her family will cherish forever.
Thank You from Charlie’s Family
I am writing to express my deepest, most heartfelt gratitude for your incredible generosity in sponsoring our recent trip to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. This wasn’t just a vacation for us; it was a monumental blessing! A Dream come true for my daughter, Charlie. Being a single parent to a child with special needs means our days are often filled with appointments and challenges. Your support gave us a rare, beautiful window to just be a family and watch Charlie experience pure joy.
I want to extend a very special thank you to our hosts, the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village, for providing our lodging. Having an out-of-this-world place to stay, night after night, at no cost to us was a tremendous gift that made us feel so cared for. It wasn’t just a place to sleep; it was a place of play and relaxation. Charlie had the best time splashing in the swimming pool and playing rounds of putt-putt golf.
The highlights of our trip were seeing her face light up at the parks. We want to thank Universal Studios for providing the tickets that allowed us to explore these incredible worlds. At Universal Studios she felt so special getting the VIP treatment with the Gold Pass!
Our evenings were just as special, thanks to Palma Italian Kitchen and Texas Roadhouse. Having those wonderful meals provided for free allowed us to relax and enjoy a “night out” as a family without any stress.
Thank you for seeing my daughter, for supporting her dream, and for giving us memories that will last a lifetime. You have a truly amazing heart.” – The Anderson Family
Charlie’s Diagnoses
Charlie’s medical diagnoses include severe developmental delay, genetic abnormalities, and recurrent seizure which often result in significant challenges in learning, communication, and motor development due to underlying genetic factors that affect how the brain grows and functions. These genetic differences can contribute to both profound developmental impairment and a heightened risk of early‑onset epilepsy, with seizures sometimes further affecting developmental progress over time.
Sponsors
A heartfelt thank you to Adopt a Dream donors for their generous support in making Charlie’s dream come true.
Our Mission
Sunshine Foundation answers the dreams of children, ages three through eighteen, who have severe or profound physical/developmental/intellectual challenges or trauma from physical/sexual abuse, and whose families have limited income. Since 1976, Sunshine Foundation has spread Sunshine into the lives of more than 44,007 children.
