Mark & Jen: DreamLift - December 2009

This DreamLift was the first one that I was the lead on. OMG, was that stressful – but what an amazing feeling to see it all come together. I saw these kids applications come in, talked to the parents and even knew most of the kids names by the time they got to the airport the morning of the lift.

I had decided to make a pit stop in Edmonton on my way to Kelowna to visit our travel agent whom I worked with closely at Sunshine. She was living in Edmonton for a short time, so invited me to come so I could see Edmonton Mall. Kathy (the Communications Manager) and I headed out to Edmonton (she was also doing a quick pit stop to see friends) and landed among ice and snow. We parted and I hung out with Gillian for two days. What a fun time it was! Since it was close to Christmas, everything was lit up. Edmonton mall was incredible to see, and was a full day of exercise just walking in it! However, I think the thing that stood out the most was the weather. The -35 degree weather. It felt like you were freezing from the inside out with every breath, so Gill and I spent most of the time around the Christmas tree and fireplace inside!

Two days later, Gill dropped me back off at the Edmonton airport and I headed to Kelowna. There is nothing scarier than watching them de-ice your plane before you get on it. Eeeeek.

That was the first time I had seen the mountains. Absolutely breathtaking. As we landed in Kelowna, I couldn’t believe that people live in the mountains, or that is what they wake up seeing every morning (ironic how that thought popped in my head 2 years ago and now I see mountains every day).

Krista and I picked up our Dodge Grand Caravan and got to our hotel. We checked in (we were the guests of honour) and got to work. Shortly thereafter, Caden’s oxygen machine arrived.

I mention this because this is one of those families that helped me understand what an impact this trip could have on its recipients.

Caden has multiple health concerns, one being that he is on oxygen 24/7. I will refrain from details for privacy reasons, but in order for Caden to go on this trip, we needed to get the airline to first accept oxygen on the flight, as well as approve the equipment he needed to run 4L/min for the duration of the trip. After countless phone calls with oxygen providers, nurses, the airline and the family, forms filled out and faxed, I called the family with the great news that Caden could come on the trip. His family of course was thrilled.

As we started to meet the families at the information meeting the night prior to the lift, I met Caden and his mom. She came up and probably said one of the most heartfelt things to me I have ever heard. Jen, thank you for fighting so hard for my son to be able to have this experience. As his mom, I can’t even tell you what it means to me that a complete stranger would go out of their way for my son. Thank you. It was one of those times that I don’t think I realized the impact I was making all along, but was just thinking that this kid shouldn’t be excluded from this experience because of his medical issues. That was the point of this trip – giving these kids the opportunity to go that otherwise couldn’t.

Something else significant happened at that meeting. I met Nic. Nic was this little 8 year old boy from BC that I had done an individual dream for – he received a black pug puppy, his very own pet. Nic has a severe heart condition which is impeding his growth. His mom had actually brought Jones (the pug named after Indiana Jones of course) to our hotel so I could meet him. What a heartfelt moment. I loved the families that brought us into their world, and let us experience the joy that they felt by going through the Sunshine dreams program.

The next day was a blur. It went by without a hitch, and Krista and I got everything done that needed to happen. I even got her to go on space mountain. I totally miss working with her. She was my favourite! We had so many good times on this trip as you can see :)