"Operation Dreamlift" is a gift from the Mercer County chapter of the Sunshine Foundation, and it is gift in all senses of the word.
The sleek blue and white jet emblazoned with the logo of Miami Air International could have been headed anywhere. But for one magical day, it was bound for Disney World, carrying 100 happy children ready for adventure.
The annual excursion is a gift from the Mercer County chapter of the Sunshine Foundation, and it is gift in all senses of the word.
The program allows seriously and chronically ill children, physically challenged children and abused children to put aside for one brief day the world of doctors, medical routines and therapy.
It allows them to just be kids, in a place whose business is making kids happy.
N.J. kids get 'Dreamlift' trip to Disney World
"Operation Dreamlift" is a year in the making and roughly $200,000 in the execution - time and money well spent, judging by the grins on the children's faces, and their parents' as well.
The excitement began this year on Tuesday, even before the scheduled 8 a.m. takeoff, when costumed Star Wars figures, super heroes, team mascots and Disney princesses (not to mention Mickey and Minnie) warmly greeted excursion-goers on the tarmac.
Volunteer troopers from the New Jersey state police lined the runway, applauding the youngsters and helping them board the plane. Others made the trip south with the kids, lending a comforting presence and a helping hand.
During the long day, the foundation kept families back home abreast of the activities, issuing status reports at 10:17 when the children touched down at Orlando, at 6:55 p.m. when they were on the buses back to the plane, an again at 10:05 when they arrived back at Trenton-Mercer Airport.
Since the national Sunshine Foundation launched Operation Dreamlift three decades ago, more than 5,000 youngsters have been treated to this brief respite from the world's realities. Organization officials report that the Disney parks and other Orlando destinations are the most requested destinations.
Some moms and dads make the trip as well, as well as an army of volunteers to keep things running smoothly, and teachers and support staff who know the children personally. The organizers also invite sponsors to come see the travelers off at the airport.
It's no fun being sick, but being sick when you're a kid carries its own brand of torment. In the day-to-day crush of medications, X-rays, scary tests and hospital stays, the joys of being young frequently get lost.
The wise people at the Sunshine Foundation get it. And thank goodness for that.
With the help of a small crew of angels, Cathy DiConstanzo and her Mercer County chapter have been able to provide a brief but oh-so-welcome relief for our special-needs children and their parents.
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