Stevens’ experiences childlike wonder at Disney World

Barbara Stevens, 76, resident of Emanuel Medical Center Nursing Home, has cherished a life-long dream of visiting Disney World. From the moment she first saw the enchanting commercials on TV and heard the magical ads on the radio, Barbara’s excitement blossomed into a heartfelt desire. With the unwavering support of her loving community, Barbara’s wish was submitted to Wish of a Lifetime.

Barbara’s journey hasn’t been easy. When she was a baby, her birth parents left her at an orphanage. Born with moderate intellectual disabilities, Barbara’s parents decided they couldn’t care for her. She spent her entire childhood in the foster care system, continually overlooked by prospective parents because of her disabilities. Barbara was never adopted and eventually aged out of the foster care system. With no family, no ability to read or write, limited speech capabilities and an inability to support herself, Barbara was transferred to an adult care facility. Much of her past remains a mystery due to limited state documentation.

Now at age 76, Barbara resides in a senior living community at Emanuel Medical Center Nursing Home. No family of Barbara’s was ever discovered, so the Director of Nursing at the facility, John Wilder Page, acts as her guardian. “We are her family here at the nursing home”, said Missy Mills, Activities Director at Emanuel Medical Center Nursing Home.

Despite her challenges, Barbara radiates joy. She is a beloved figure among the residents, their families and the staff, who have all embraced her as one of their own. Even those whose loved ones have passed on from the community continue to come back to visit Barbara and bring her treats from time to time. Barbara participates in every activity that she can at the nursing home and loves going shopping. Her favorite activity is the monthly bus outings to the countryside, capped off with a visit to the local Dairy Queen.

Mills saw how the little things in life brightened Barbara’s day and filled her with childlike wonder, but she also noticed one certain thing that continually captured Barbara’s attention. “When she sees Disney World ads on TV, she just lights up,” Mills said. When asked where she would like to go, if she could travel anywhere in the world, Barbara said, “I want to go to Disney World!” Mills filled out the Wish of a Lifetime application for a trip to Disney World on Barbara’s behalf, requesting two companions that are necessary in Barbara’s unique situation.

Wish of a Lifetime was honored to grant Barbara’s wish and bring added joy to a woman who has never known life outside of a care facility. On January 28, 2025, Barbara’s dream finally came true! Before embarking on the trip, Barbara’s senior living community gathered for a special sendoff that they knew she would love, complete with posters, confetti, balloons and handwritten letters of encouragement.

Accompanied by two companions, Mills and Page, Barbara embarked on her first adventure outside of Georgia to Disney World Magic Kingdom. Upon her arrival, a WOL volunteer de-livered Barbara a Disney-themed gift basket filled with snacks, sunscreen, a Mickey Mouse tote bag, water bottles and Mickey’s ears. This trip marked a significant milestone in Barbara’s life, a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of hope.

“Barbara’s favorite parts of the trip were meeting Mickey Mouse and Snow White. “She was also amazed at how Cinderella’s castle changed with the fireworks show. One of her favorite shows was the singing birds at the Enchanted Tiki Room,” Mills reported.

Since returning from Disney World, Mills sees changes in Barbara. “Barbara has been so happy since we’ve come home. It made her feel really loved and celebrated,” she said.

Even as a woman with limited speech abilities, throughout this experience, excitement exuded from Barbara. “Barbara has never had the chance to do something remotely close to this in her life. Thank you for making a dream come true for this sweet lady. Because of Wish of a Lifetime, her world is so much brighter.” Mills commented.

Wish of a Lifetime is a charitable affiliate of AARP. When mentioning us, please use “Wish of a Life-time from AARP” on the first or most prominent mention, and simply “Wish of a Lifetime” thereafter. This distinction helps maintain our unique identity and ensures accurate representation.