Help Jesi Take Mackenzie on her first trip to Disneyland

We are raising funds to fulfill Jesi's dying wish of taking our daughter Mackenzie on her first trip to Disneyland. Jesi was diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer in 2021, which progressed into stage 4b in mid-2023. During the last year, her body has been ravaged by 14 tumors, including 3 in her brain.

Jesi has been fighting back through radiation, chemo, immunotherapy, and even underwent open brain surgery. Unfortunately, Jesi is losing her battle, and the doctors have stopped her treatments to allow her to focus on spending time with her family.

A few months ago, Jesi was asked to put in a final wish with the Dream Foundation. In much the same way as Make-A-Wish grants children's final wishes, the Dream Foundation does for adults. After considering Jesi's limited mobility and strength, Jesi opted to request a trip to Disneyland so she could take our 4-year-old daughter Mackenzie on her first ever trip to Disneyland. The request asked for park tickets and a stay at the Disney Grand Californian Hotel to allow Jesi and Mackenzie a chance to go to the character breakfast together.

Unfortunately, the Dream Foundation informed us that Disney as a corporation does not participate or donate for these final wishes. A private donor, however, donated 1-day Disney tickets, but we were told our stay would be on our own.

Unfortunately, the happiest place on Earth is also one of the most expensive. Jesi's employer, California Teachers Association, terminated her employment in June when she was unable to return to work. This meant we not only lost her income, but we also got hit with an $1800 a month bill from COBRA so Jesi could maintain her health insurance. Needless to say, money has been very tight, and without assistance, I don't know how we'd be able to make this trip happen in the time frame we have since Jesi's health continues to deteriorate.