Colten, with eosinophillic esophagitis and asthma, enjoyed the Disney characters and rides.
Hawke’s Disney Adventure: Crocs, Chip & Dale, and Joy!
Hawke, who has level 3 severe autism, fulfilled his dream of visiting Disney World and learning to draw from a Disney animator, creating joyful memories and meaningful progress for his whole family.
Thank you from Hawke’s Family
“Thank you so much for granting Hawke’s Magical Dream to go to Disney World and learn how to draw animals from a Disney animator. We all had a wonderful time! Hawke is autistic and has difficulty communicating, but we’ve discovered that he expresses himself through drawing animals. A tiger means he’s happy; a kangaroo or gorilla means he’s frustrated. Tapping into his love of animals and drawing has been the only way we have been able to get him to thrive.
So when he had the opportunity to meet a Disney animator and learn to draw Tick-Tock Croc from Peter Pan, he was thrilled! He was able to pay attention for the entire time. He really concentrated on drawing every line exactly like the animator showed us. He loved it! When we got back to the hotel room, he hung his drawing up on the wall near his bed so he could see it every day we were there.
We also got to have dinner with Mickey, and Chip and Dale, his favorite characters! The trip was amazing for our entire family. Hawke is still talking about his Tick-Tock Croc drawing. Next week is Homecoming at his school, and the theme is Disney. So he is going to take his drawing to school for show and tell and wear his new Tick-Tock Croc shirt that we bought while at Disney World.
Thank you so much for making his dream come true! To see him so engaged in an activity that he loves and to have him be able to interact positively and successfully with his favorite Disney characters is a huge step in his progress. You have given our entire family memories that will last a lifetime, and it is something that would never have happened without your generosity. Thank you again for making our lives a little more magical!” – Hawke’s mom
Hawke’s Diagnosis
Hawke is diagnosed with level 3 severe autism. Level 3 autism, also known as severe autism, is the most significant level of autism spectrum disorder. Children with level 3 autism have limited or no speech, restricted social communication skills, and sensory processing issues. They require a higher level of support and supervision throughout their lifetime.
Sponsors
A heartfelt thank you to Adopt a Dream donors for their generous support in making Hawke’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 43,000 children.
