“You are not alone!” That was a message passionately stressed by Rebecca’s Wish President Christyn Taylor as she welcomed families to our first-ever Winter Wonderland Party, and a refrain repeated throughout the night for our pancreas families in attendance.

250 people, including 99 children, signed up for the event. Some traveled to San Antonio from as far away as Arkansas and Louisiana for a chance to meet other pancreas families, spend time with Santa, and enjoy food and a hot chocolate bar while soaking up the spirit of Christmas.

“You’re not the only families who have to deal with a really hard disease. All of these people surrounding you are going to be your support group. They will help you through the difficult times,” Christyn stressed from the stage at Morgan’s Wonderland where Winter Wonderland took place. “Rebecca’s Wish is here to make sure you feel extremely loved and supported during really hard times.”

Tori Willis told us that her son, Bryar, had never met another child with pancreatitis before Winter Wonderland, because they live in a small town with a population of 300 people. She said Bryar had 12 surgeries in 2022 because of pancreatitis.

“This is a big deal for him to learn about his disease and to meet children with pancreatitis. He’s had a lot of fun riding the rides today, and even went fishing,” said Tori Willis with a big smile on her face.

“Rebecca’s Wish is about making every day special for children with pancreatitis. These children really need to know that they are loved,” said Rebecca’s Wish Founder Rebecca Taylor.

Children who attended all received a bounty of Christmas gifts from Rebecca’s Wish and their parents were given extra financial support from our nonprofit.

Special thanks to ALL the volunteers who donated their time and shared hugs and smiles with our children, and to Terri Lowe and Joy Ulcak, who pulled off a holiday blessing with their tireless work and leadership putting together such an unforgettable event!