You can't blame Haris Karagic if he doesn't get a good night's sleep for the next three months. The 16-year-old found out he's one of nearly 100 kids from Southwestern Ontario who will go on a whirlwind, one-day trip to Disney World in Florida in October.
The countdown for the Sunshine DreamLift, organized by the Sunshine Foundation of Canada and sponsored by Maple Lodge Farms, kicked off yesterday at London International Airport, where Karagic met the "buddy" who will be by his side that day -- London police Const. Andy Bakker. "We're looking forward to spending a fun-filled day together, enjoying Disney World and giving Haris memories," said Bakker.
Karagic said he wants to "have fun" that day. And what does he think of his buddy? "He's a cool guy," he said with a smile, as Bakker wrapped his arm around him. Nearly 100 medical and London police volunteers will make the trip. Officers will be matched with each child, ensuring they have a ball, said Nancy Sutherland, national executive director of the foundation.
The kids with physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses will board a plane and leave at 5 a.m. on Oct. 29. They'll return later that night. For some kids, including Karagic, it'll be their first time away from their parents. "I'm very excited for him. I think he's really looking forward to it. He's quite excited. I don't think he'll sleep for the next three months," said his mom, Melisa.
Karagic's physiotherapist contacted the family to see if they were interested in the trip. They filled out an application form and found out a few days ago he'll be part of the group headed to Disney World. DreamLift was started in London by a city police officer as a way of honouring his son, who had muscular dystrophy. The first one flew out of the city in 1987 and Raphael Metron was on it.
"I remember it very vividly," said Metron, who was 15 at the time. "I remember getting up and it being pitch black and raining. I came to the airport and there was so much excitement." When they got off the plane in Florida, Metron said, it was suddenly sunny and beautiful. "It transformed from crazy to just an awesome dreamland," he said. Since then, the foundation has organized 45 trips across the country.