Our daughter’s Make-A-Wish trip was a dream come true

Second in a series. Read part one.

Cammy Babiarz took her first ride in a limo during her Make-A-Wish trip in November 2018. (Photo by Jackie Babiarz)

Make-A-Wish is an extraordinary organization that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. In my last column, I shared that our late daughter, Cammy, who was diagnosed with Rett syndrome in 2011, chose a trip to a Beaches “Sesame Street”-themed resort in Turks and Caicos for her wish. From getting picked up in a limo to hanging out with “Sesame Street” characters on a beautiful island for seven days, our girl was treated like a celebrity.

On a chilly fall morning in 2018, our family, in matching blue Make-A-Wish T-shirts, climbed into a limo. For Cammy, then 9, and her younger sister, Ryan, it was their first time riding in one. They marveled at the size of it, the interior lights, and the drinks and snacks.

The special treatment continued at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, where we were able to skip to the front of security lines. Strangers were extra kind, giving us big smiles. During preboarding, another surprise awaited the girls on their seats. The airline had prepared goodie bags for Cammy and Ryan with snacks, blankets, stuffed animals, and sleep masks.

Cammy and her dad, Bill Babiarz, enjoyed the water slide at the Beaches “Sesame Street”-themed resort in Turks and Caicos in 2018. (Photo by Jackie Babiarz)

At the hotel, Elmo greeted us with hugs. “Sesame Street” characters were walking around the resort interacting with visitors, and Cammy smiled ear to ear with every character who came up to her. When we showed her the list of events planned for each day, the twinkle in her eyes confirmed that it was the perfect Make-A-Wish trip for her.

Every morning at breakfast, Bert, Ernie, and Oscar the Grouch made their way to each table. One day, Cammy and Ryan baked cookies with Cookie Monster. Another afternoon, they sang and danced with Zoey. Grover was often walking around the pool areas, being extra silly, interacting with us and other guests. One night, Elmo and Abby Cadabby led a parade with a group of local dancers and musicians following them.

Another evening, Ryan participated in a kids’ version of “Turks and Caicos Got Talent” and did a stand-up routine. She had the crowd roaring with laughter. One of Cammy’s favorite memories was when Elmo came to our room to read her a bedtime story.

Because the resort was all-inclusive, Cammy and Ryan did their best to eat every sort of dessert they could in one week. Ryan loved ordering milkshakes from the swim-up bar. Cammy preferred to snack on cake under a cabana by the lazy river.

Cammy’s Make-A-Wish trip was truly a dream come true. She accomplished every single thing she wanted to do and see. A weeklong trip created a lifetime of memories.

Note: Rett Syndrome News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Rett Syndrome News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Rett syndrome.