Dad Blocks Sick Girl's Dream Disney World Make-A-Wish Trip
McKenna May, a four-year-old from Ohio who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010, will not be getting a trip to Walt Disney World via the Make-A-Wish foundation. The reason? Her father has refused to sign off on the vacation, and Make-A-Wish rules state two parents must sign for a minor's trip.
According to Make-A-Wish, the two-parent signature rule is in place so the organization won't find itself in the middle of a custody battle or family issue.
William May, the father, says:
What she's been through sucks. But I think any money that the organization hands out to children, should go to dying kids. Not cured ones. I'm not saying she hasn't been through a lot, but maybe she should get a swing set or something.
It appears William May and McKenna's mother, Whitney Hughs, were in a "brief relationship" at one point in time; now, May is remarried. Sources say May viewed the trip, in part, as an attempt by Hughs to house-hunt in Florida and to ultimately make his bi-weekly visitations more difficult. On the flipside, sources say Hughs believes May is being "spiteful" because he didn't like the trip arrangement.
McKenna's mother and grandmother are in the process of raising money and collecting donations from local businesses in order to take the girl to Disney World. Says Hughs:
It's just really tough that she has to be put through all this. I remember her telling me how she can't wait to see Mickey Mouse and Cinderella while she had needles in her chest. She even packed her small suitcase. I just told her we were still going to Disney. Someday.
As part of her treatment for her diagnosis, McKenna has undergone chemotherapy, steroid injections and 15 spinal taps. She won't be considered free from cancer until five years after her last cancer treatment.
UPDATE: One of our fantastic readers let us know that there has been an outpouring of support for McKenna with many people from all walks of life stepping up to help her get her dream trip to Walt Disney World. Her mother says that they will be taking her on a magical Disney vacation in August, just as originally planed, in large thanks to the Olivia Davis Foundation.
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princess kimmy wrote on Sat, 07/21/2012 - 11:33:
any 'real' father would be happy that she can have a holiday after what she has been through, i won't be a bit surprised if she wants nothing to do with him when she is older, hope he is ready for that
Kristen K. wrote on Sat, 07/21/2012 - 13:53:
And this would be a wonderful opportunity for Disney to step up.
Julie J wrote on Sat, 07/21/2012 - 23:03:
I'm happy to report, that due to generous citizens, the little girl will able to make the trip to Disney. It is very sad that her father interfered with her "wish".
Mase wrote on Mon, 07/23/2012 - 16:43:
I guess I can see both sides to this story to be honest. I can understand why he said that... but after everything this little one has gone through... I think something more than a swing set is needed. She needs a vacation, and why not Disney? So while I understand him thinking his child is fine... lets give this vacation to someone who is doing worse than her... but I know after all my transfusions and such... I'm ready for a vacation. So I'm glad she is getting to go to Disney despite the interference.
Belle wrote on Fri, 07/27/2012 - 07:58:
Is there any contact info for this family.. I would personally like to welcome them to Walt Disney World because I am a WDW Cast Member :)
Kristen K. wrote on Mon, 07/30/2012 - 12:31:
I don't have any contact information myself Bell, but perhaps if you follow the trail through the source story you could figure out a way.
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