Dawayne’s Disney Wish

Dawayne first captured the hearts of our staff during his stay in Franciscan Children’s Inpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Although he faced many medical complications he always maintained a smile.  Through working with our amazing nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech therapists, he met countless milestones and was finally able to go home with his family.

Since being discharged from Franciscan Children’s Inpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in late October, Dawayne has successfully transitioned to life at home with his family.

“This is the best I have ever seen him. He’s moving around more and becoming more independent,” said Tyeshya, Dawayne’s mom, on her son’s mobility.

All that moving around proved helpful when Dawayne received an opportunity of a lifetime —the chance to meet his favorite character Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World. In April, Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island generously granted Dawayne’s wish to meet Mickey Mouse and all of his friends at the Magic Kingdom.

Dawayne loved spending time watching Mickey Mouse on his tablet at Franciscan Children’s and now, with this wish; he was given the chance to meet him in real life.

Dawayne, alongside his family members, traveled to Orlando on his very first airplane ride.

“He enjoyed the plane ride and got very excited for when the plane took off,” said Tyeshya.

But the fun only started there. On their first day, Dawayne joined the Disney character breakfast where he met Lilo and Stitch, Pluto and of course Mickey Mouse. “Mickey came over and Dawayne could not hold back the excitement he had within from seeing his best friend in the whole world,” said Tyeshya.

Dawayne’s eyes were filled with joy every time he crossed paths with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. He even blew kisses to Mickey Mouse, the same way he blew kisses for his visitors and care team at Franciscan Children’s.

Dawayne also rode on several amusement rides, enjoyed the thrilling street parades, and viewed the amazing fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom.

His ability to thrive at Disney is something Tyeshya once never thought possible. “I never thought I would be able to see him crawl, get up on his own, and communicate through sign language,” said Tyeshya. However, due to our expert rehabilitation team, receiving pulmonary, physical, speech and music therapy he made vast improvements in just eight short months.

Speech therapist Jenna DelSordo worked with Dawayne on a week-to-week basis improving his communication skills and teaching him sign language. Jenna describes Dawayne as a smart, loving, and able patient, as he developed as a great therapy participant.

Dawayne is already looking forward to his next trip to the happiest place on earth, “I will try my best to bring him back so he can visit his best friend Mickey Mouse,” said Tyeshya.

Franciscan Children’s is so proud of Dawayne for all the progress he’s made and for his incredible perseverance. We hope Mickey and Dawayne get to meet again real soon!

To learn more about Dawayne’s story and other patients like Dawayne visit “Our Stories.”