Make-a-Wish Foundation of the UAE sending eight Emarati children to Disneyworld USA

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The trip is organized by Make-a-Wish Foundation of the UAE, a charity granting wishes to children with life threatening diseases, in association with the Emirates Thalassemia Society and Give Kids the World - a non profit resort for children with life threatening diseases in Orlando, Florida.

This is the largest trip of its kind, organized by Make-A-Wish Dubai so far, costing AED 225,000. It was funded by donations from Al Shohub School for Girls in Abu Dhabi, Royal Jet, Ajmal Perfumes, Emirates Airlines and Giordano.

The children, aged between 8 and 18 years, accompanied by a Make-A-Wish volunteer, caretakers and medical personnel, will fly to New York business class on Emirates Airlines, and will be met by representatives of Make-A-Wish USA. During the ten days of the tour, they will visit New York, spend a week in Give Kids The World resort together with children from 15 nationalities from all over the world, visit Disneyland, Sea World and Universal Studios.

John Irving, Executive Director of Make-A-Wish UAE said:

'Since our establishment in 2004, we have granted the wishes of 41 children in the UAE. Children's wishes vary from owning a PC to traveling to their dream destination. It is hard work, but worth every bit. Our intention is to expand our presence in the Gulf.'

According to Dr. Khawla Belhoul Director of the Thalassemia Center positive experiences like this help thalassemia children overcome compliance - a major problem for patients with chronic conditions. They boost the patients' morale and will to fight the disease, which improves their response to medication and overall condition.

In an emotional address to the children, Dr. Belhoul, said: 'Today, your dream to visit Disneyland is coming true. If you hold on to your dreams, sooner or later they will come true. Remember, that you are much stronger than any obstacles life can throw at you. Never, never quit.'