CUMBERLAND, B.C- A young Comox Valley resident is taking his family to Disney World.
Abel Gawryluk-Livingston, along with his parents Johanna Gawryluk and Dan Livingston, will be headed down to the famous amusement park in May, after Vancouver Island based charity Help Fill a Dream granted Abel’s wish.
Six-year-old Abel has suffered from medical issues since birth, and has been fitted with a tracheostomy tube to aid with his breathing. According to Johanna, nurses regularly monitor him, and one of the nursing staff suggested the family apply to Help Fill a Dream.
They found out their application had been successful this September. Johanna said that Dan had called her with the news while she was visiting her mother.
“I started screaming, and I was super excited, and told Abel right away,” said Johanna.
“He was running around, happy and crazy. I was just over the moon about it. I can’t even explain how thankful I am that they gave it to us.”
The family will have a firm date for the trip once their passports arrive, and they will be holding a fundraiser for the trip on April 28.
In the meantime, Johanna indicated Abel is excited to go on the trip.
“Abel can’t stop talking about it, he’s so excited,” said Johnna.
“I know a few of the families that have got the dream as well, and they said the trip was amazing. We just can’t wait to go.”
Help Fill a Dream has been running since 1986.
