Eben S. Age 13 Cumberland, Maine "I wish to go on a Disney Vacation."

Early in 2001, Eben was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, but after 3 years in treatment is now in remission. His wish was to go on a Disney World Land/Cruise vacation during the 2003 Thanksgiving holiday. He also hoped that his older brother, Sam, who was away at college in Utah, could join the family on Thanksgiving Day.

The wish began with four days at sea, and Eben loved being on the cruise. He joined a teen program and spent time with his parents snorkeling, swimming, and kicking back on the beach. He even went parasailing with his father.

On Thanksgiving Day, Eben and his parents disembarked from the cruise ship for their next two days at Disney World. Just as they walked into the hotel lobby, they ran into - surprise! - Eben's big brother and hero, Sam. The two boys walked arm in arm as Eben told Sam about the cruise.

Upon returning to Maine, Eben summed up the magic of his wish eloquently: "We were upgraded on the boat to the coolest room. We had front row seats in the theater. It was 85 degrees day and night. We used two tubes of sunscreen in five days. At the teen club, we all jumped in the pool with our clothes on for a free soda. At the theme park, we got a pass to go to the front of the lines. My older brother Sam and I tricked our Mom to go on the scary ride. I ate ice cream, and ice cream, and ice cream, and ice cream - it was great!"

Wish Granters:  Susan Buckland and Tracy Libby

Wishmaker®:  Charles and Theresa Gendron