Benji's Make-A-Wish Trip

In 2015, following Sisi's cancer diagnosis, she was offered a Make-A-Wish trip. Make-A-Wish Canada is an incredible organization that "creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life, because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness."

As the Make-A-Wish team got to know Sisi and her family, they informed me that both Benji and Giulietta were eligible for Make-A-Wish trips as they had chronic conditions. They encouraged us to apply so that Benji and Giulietta could also realize their most "heartfelt wish."

In 2017 we went as a family to Disney World as part of Sisi's dream holiday, and it was an amazing experience. Benji and Giulietta were accommodated with such respect and thoughtfulness. It was a wonderful experience.

For Benji, knowing that a plane trip would be difficult and considering his complex medical and sleep issues, we concluded that visiting a cottage in Muskoka would allow Benji to spend quality time with his family and supports, have accommodations that would allow for his needs and overnight sleep support, as well as flexibility as to the activities he enjoys. A cottage holiday would allow us to drive a relatively short distance rather than navigate airports. It was also 2021, still with COVID restrictions, which was an extra layer of complexity. Importantly, we also wanted Benji's good friend Charlie, our golden retriever, to join us as part of the family. We thought of activities Benji enjoyed, which included hiking and being lakeside. We knew it would be an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as the logistics of finding a big enough cottage to accommodate Benji and Giulietta's one-to-one supports over 24 hours and all the various challenges and needs that each member brings would require a lot of logistical support and cost that would otherwise not be possible for us.

Excitedly, we combed through pictures of cottages to rent, ultimately settling on a stunning lakeside large cottage on the Kawartha Lakes, large enough for everyone to be comfortable and pet friendly.

We settled on a beautiful, light-filled large home with an accessible pier and lake access and a beautiful living area with seven bedrooms. The kitchen was huge to allow for supported meal prep and family meals. The outdoor space was expansive with a large lawn, Muskoka beach chairs, and an outdoor fire pit. We also rented a large pontoon for the week so we could take boat trips and explore the region.

It was a week none of us will ever forget.

The weather was perfect. The home was luxurious and accessible. We piled up in our large van filled with suitcases and coolers filled with food and drove the two and a half hours to our dream home away from home.

The week was dreamlike. There were barbecues on the porch as the sun set, long afternoons on the pontoon exploring Muskoka lakes, stopping for hikes and picnics along the way, many meals together with laughter, music, and warmth. Even on the day where it rained, the team was prepared with board games that were adapted for inclusivity.

Benji enjoyed time with his family being the "Wish Child" and extending his good fortune to the whole family. It was a week we will never forget and will always be grateful for.