Meet Dan, a fun-loving 7-year-old from Laois. Dan is living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic neuromuscular disorder that comes with an estimated life expectancy of just 2 years.
His mum Aisling told us: “It took us a long time to get a diagnosis. Dan was born in March, and he wasn’t diagnosed until December. There was countless appointments and hospital visits.”
It was during one such hospital appointment that his clinical nurse co-ordinator told the family about Make-A-Wish Ireland.
“Initially, I thought that I wouldn’t apply, because Dan was doing really well, and we didn’t want to take another child’s place. But my nurse helped to convince me that he really did deserve it, and that every child facing critical illness deserves their wish.”
Dan’s wish to go to CenterParcs with his family came true recently, where Dan, his Mum Aisling, Dad Niall and Sister Sophie all travelled to their own adaptive lodge nestled in Longford Forest for a weekend they would never forget!
First up for the family was a visit to the heated pool, where Dan got to enjoy the slides, swimming, and spending time with his family. They family also enjoyed bowling, boating in the river, a slime workshop, and family dinners together.
“One amazing moment was enjoying the pool together as a family. Dan absolutely adores the water, it really is his happy place. We must have spent two or three hours in the heated pool, watching Dan and his sister Sophie playing and laughing together.”
His mum Aisling told us afterwards: “Thank you so much for an amazing trip. Seeing Dan experience so much joy was incredibly special and alongside his sister too was something we cant put into words. We are so grateful to Make-A-Wish Ireland for giving our family such a magical gift that we will never forget.”
