Our Stories
Christopher
What goes up and down, and round and round?
For thirteen-year-old Christopher, there is only one answer – a roller coaster.
Christopher, having battled a life-threatening medical condition, has had to deal with fear and uncertainty on a very large scale. Nothing as inanimate as a roller coaster could possibly bother him. In fact, with deliberate research, he decided that his wish would be to visit Cedar Point Amusement Park, self proclaimed “roller coaster capital of the world!”
Christopher also chose a “to go” wish because he knew his family could not have enjoyed a vacation on their own, as is often the case where a child and his family are in these circumstances. With Mom, Dad (who absolutely hates roller coasters), and his two sisters along for company, Christopher was off on his adventure.
From his hotel on Cedar Point Peninsula, jutting out into Lake Erie, Christopher planned each day’s foray into the park. Which coasters and how many rides could he pack into each day? With sixteen to choose from, as well as numerous other thrill rides, water rides and shows, there was plenty to do every moment
of the day. Fortunately all the kids were old enough to battle the behemoths on their own. Mom and Dad waited patiently on the nearby benches, dispensing sodas and snacks with regularity.
Christopher and his sisters never stopped – well maybe long enough to refuel – and possibly to float in the hotel pool each evening. He enjoyed each active moment of his wish, experiencing all that Cedar Point had to offer, thrilled with his freedom as he soared above the crowds, and most of all believing that the hope, strength and joy of his wish experience was only the beginning of something wonderful.
Christopher’s wish was generously sponsored by
Connie and Denny Carreker
