A "MAAgical" Flight For Miami Children With Life-Threatening Conditions
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - There was something magical in the air Friday morning. Two Miami children joined several others from around the country and the world on a "mAAgical" flight to Orlando.
Five-year-olds Alani and Orlando are going to Give Kids The World Village resort in Orlando with their families thanks to the Something mAAgic Foundation, the Make a Wish Foundation, and American Airlines.
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Something mAAgic sponsors vacations for children with life-threatening conditions. Donated air miles allow for the families to travel.
Guests of honor arrived in style to Miami International Airport where the boarding area was transformed into wonderland of balloons, presents, and characters in colorful costumes.
Kids got a chance to get up close with exotic animals and even open some gifts.
"I see a monkey and a kangaroo, a baby kangaroo!" exclaimed Alani, 5, who's battling sickle cell anemia.
She was one of two children from South Florida leaving on the flight. Latoya Tucker's five-year-old son, Orlando was the other.
Tucker says life hasn't been easy for Orlando. "He has a few surgeries to go. He's had a few surgeries, maybe four already, so he has a long road ahead of him," she explained to CBS4's Maggie Newland, adding that the trip has given Orlando something to anticipate. "He couldn't wait he was counting down the days… He wants to see Mickey."
This is the 19th year children have been treated to the mAAgic flight.
This year, 34 children from 14 states and four countries are joining Alani and Orlando on the trip to the resort.
Once they arrive, they will head to 70-acre resort which features a wheelchair-accessible pool, an ice cream parlor, movie theater, carousel, beauty spa, putt-putt golf course and a playground.
To date, more than 435 children have taken part in this annual event.
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