10-year old wish kid Alex has a smile that can light up the Avenue at Give Kids The World Village. He loves Amberville Train Station and could ride JJ’s Express over and over. He’s silly and energetic with a big heart for others.

At just 3 years old, Alex was diagnosed with a genetic condition. It led to a brain hemorrhage that landed him in the hospital for two weeks during the winter of 2017. That year, Alex and his family spent Christmas in the hospital.

“It was actually a miracle,” says Alex. “I begged my mom and dad to go visit my grandparents. If they hadn’t said yes, we wouldn’t have been right near one of the best hospitals – that saved my life.”

In June of 2017, Alex was granted his wish to visit Give Kids The World Village. Together, he and his family explored Walt Disney World, LEGOLAND and the other Central Florida attractions. They experienced a week of fun – much needed after the previous months.

“His brain bleed affected his ability to talk and walk,” said wish mom Joanne. “The fact that he’s here and talking and walking is a blessing.”

Soon, Alex and his family relocated to Florida and, shortly after, found an advertisement for the Village’s fun run, Challenge for Hope.

“Alex saw the information about Challenge for Hope and immediately said ‘sign up mom!”

Without hesitation, they joined in on this fun event.

Through Challenge for Hope, they raised money to benefit wish kids like Alex. It also gave them the opportunity to revisit the Village and experience it in a whole new way.

“There’s nothing like seeing the kids’ faces when they come back to the Village,” says wish dad Joshua.

Alex’s favorite part of the event? “Giving back to Give Kids The World.”

And now you can give back, too. Gather friends, family, and coworkers and register for Challenge for Hope. On November 9, you can experience what the Village does for families like Alex’s.