Making Memories: Supporting a Disabled Veteran's Family

Gillian Diaz Start Date: Aug 3, 2023 - End Date: Sep 1, 2023
  • Orlando, FL, United States of America

My Travel Story

by: Gillian Diaz Start Date: Aug 3, 2023 - End Date: Sep 1, 2023
Dear friends, supporters, and fellow dreamers,

We are a resilient family of seven, embarking on a heartfelt journey to celebrate our amazing son's upcoming 7th birthday. But our story isn't just about a birthday celebration; it's about embracing life, overcoming challenges, and honoring the sacrifices of one of our own—a disabled veteran who has served our country with unwavering dedication.

Sgt. Diaz, is a loving husband, father and patriot who has faced hardships with courage and selflessness. He not only fought on the front lines to protect our freedoms for a decade but he continues to be a pillar of strength for our family in spite of dealing with the profound effects from his service. In spite of being deemed 'disabled' he continues to persevere, working daily with Veterans, to both provide for our family while still being of service to this amazing, yet underserved community. His unwavering determination inspires us every day, and we are immensely proud to call him our own.

Our son, Jax, takes after his dad battling his Tourette's Syndrome every single day. With social and physical challenges related to his condition, it has been a difficult journey thus far but he never gives up and neither do we. As his birthday approaches, we dream of giving him an extraordinary gift—a trip to Universal Studios, a dream of his that will create cherished memories and strengthen our bond as a family. We believe that these experiences are the essence of life, instilling values that will last a lifetime and rewarding our son (and hubby) for all they do. However, the financial burden of such a journey is more than we can bear alone at this time.

In the last year alone our family has endured two major car accidents (both resulting in total losses), a household move, the unexpected birth of our granddaughter, a major injury, worsening chronic illness (mom, diagnosed 4 years ago) and the challenges of being a large family. Being a one income family, these issues, along with the crushing weight of the current state of our economy (as far too many families know), have made it difficult for us to set aside funds for this dream adventure. This is where we humbly seek your support and generosity.

With your help, we can turn our dreams into reality. Your contributions will not only make our son's birthday an unforgettable experience but also honor the service of our hero, who has given so much for his country and family. Every little bit counts, and no act of kindness is too small. Your donation will help cover travel expenses, accommodation, and other necessary costs for this journey of a lifetime. Even if you are unable to contribute financially, sharing our campaign with your network can make an immense difference.

As we embark on this journey together, we promise to keep you updated with photos and stories, so you can witness the impact of your support firsthand. Let us unite in celebrating life, love, and the indomitable spirit of a family of seven—where one is a hero in more ways than one. Join us in empowering our dreams, creating memories, and spreading the message of hope and resilience.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of this meaningful journey.

With gratitude and love,

The Diaz Family
  • Orlando, FL, United States of America