Child with Cystic Fibrosis Wins Trip to Walt Disney World

How does one live a normal life when also trying to cope with a disease that can in some cases be life threatening? It’s certainly not easy, but many cystic fibrosis patients have made their lives examples of possible ways to answer this question. Although some degree of normalcy can be achieved through careful routines and attention to prescribed treatment plans, children living with cystic fibrosis still have to be constantly aware of the possibility of developing symptoms which could be severe.

Some organizations have taken steps to not only recognize the bravery of these kids, but to reward with for their ongoing fights in the face of this disease.

We’ve collected a few stories below of children living with cystic fibrosis who have fought bravely, and been recognized.

Anthony Zimmerle's story

Anthony Zimmerle is a fourth grader from Louisiana. Although Anthony is a lively kid who enjoys participating in stimulating activities, he has cystic fibrosis, and that has had a big impact on his life. Anthony’s friends and teachers describe him as friendly and eager. He himself noted that math is his favorite subject in school, but that he loves all different aspects of school, including seeing his friends, lunch hour, participating in recess, and PE class. While Anthony rarely lets his cystic fibrosis affect his mood, it does affect his daily routine.

Micah Murchie, Anthony’s grandfather and one of his caregivers noted that while Anthony shows up at school with the rest of the kids in the morning, his days have to start much earlier. When Anthony first gets up in the mornings, he has to wear and shaker and a vest that helps to break up the mucus inside of Anthony to open up his lungs and make it possible for him to breathe. After undergoing this daily treatment, he also has to take a variety of medications in order to make sure that he stays healthy. Thankfully, by adhering to this treatment regimen, Anthony has been able to lead a fulfilling and normal life.

When Anthony got the news that he had been selected to receive an all-expense paid trip to Disney World, he was elated. The trip giveaway was sponsored by the Kidd’s Kids programs through the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show, a syndicated radio program broadcast nationally. Anthony was selected as one of fifty children with life altering health conditions to receive an all-expense paid trip to Disney World. When Anthony’s grandfather Micah first opened the letter, he was in complete shock and overwhelmingly excited to share the news with his grandson.

Initially, Anthony was excited about his trip to Disney World, but a bit in the dark. Prior to winning the contest, Anthony had actually never heard of Disney World. A few of his friends from school and classmates had gone, so after winning the trip he began to hear more about his upcoming vacation destination and his excitement grew. The school also got on board with the celebration and actually decorated hallways to help build Anthony’s excitement and recognize his good fortune.

Micah says that it was Anthony’s bright and friendly personality that won over the cast at the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show. Although he daily faces the struggles of living with cystic fibrosis, Anthony does an excellent job of maintaining good spirits and embracing life with a positive outlook.

Read more about Anthony’s story at WAFB.com.

Read on to learn more about another once-in-a-lifetime experience provided to a child with cystic fibrosis.