Sunshine Foundation of Canada sends youngster to Disney World

THUNDR BAY -- Emilie Pike has been through a lot in her short, nearly six-year life.

Born with cerebral palsy, the Thunder Bay youngster has been through countless surgeries and nonetheless almost always has a smile on her face.

Next week the grin will reach from ear to ear when she and her family land in Orlando, Fla. to enjoy an all-expense paid trip to Disney World courtesy of the Sunshine Dreams For Kids Foundation.

A lover of all things princess, Emilie was ecstatic when she found out she’d get to meet Cinderella, Snow White and Elsa, her favourite of them all, in person.

“I think it’s cool,” the youngster said on Thursday, officially accepting her gift at the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre.

“I’m most excited about seeing the princesses because they’re fun.”

She’ll be joined in Florida by her mother and father, her older brother and younger sister, and her great grandmother.

Father Jason Pike said his daughter has always been a trooper and called it a dream come true for her.

“It’s what she’s always wanted and she’s going to be ecstatic when she arrives. It makes me so happy that my daughter’s wishes are going to come true.”

Pike said with the help of the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre and the local Shriner’s chapter, Emilie has made plenty of progress dealing with her cerebral palsy.

“She’s getting so much better as time goes on,” he said.

Deanna Ward, the dream fulfillment co-ordinator for the region, said while wearing her social worker’s hat she’s been involved with Emilie and her family for a number of years.

“I came to realize she was a pretty special little girl and was a big fan and had a big obsession with princesses, so I thought we should make a referral to Sunshine Dreams. She put the dream in a couple of months ago and it was granted,” Ward said.

While at the Magical Kingdom, Emilie will get the princess-for-a-day treatment and get a chance to meet all of her favourite characters.

The family leaves for Florida next week.