SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Heritage South Credit Union rolled out the red carpet for a heartwarming send-off celebration on Wednesday afternoon, May 22, as two identical twins from Sylacauga prepared to head on a dream vacation to Disney World, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The recipients of this generous gesture are the daughters of Heritage South Credit Union’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), Tim Wilson.
Charlotte and Caroline, born prematurely at 26 weeks, have overcome remarkable odds since birth battling twin-to-twin transfer syndrome. Last August, the two celebrated their tenth birthday together.
Heritage South’s CEO, Jamie Payton, highlighted the outpouring of support, saying, “We just gathered up everybody we knew from the community, and our good old hometown of Sylacauga comes through every time.”
The trip, an all-inclusive adventure, spans seven days and features visits to various Orlando attractions and theme parks, including a three-day Disney World park hopper, SeaWorld, and Legoland.
Wilson, visibly moved by the overwhelming support, expressed gratitude for the opportunity afforded to his family.
“We’re blessed that we have so many supporters and so much love from the community here that wanted to contribute in this way for us,” said Wilson. “This trip for my family, for my daughters, is something that we’d like to do, but with six children and a daughter with needs like Caroline, it’s not something that, financially, we would have been able to do.”
The trip holds profound significance, offering cherished moments of togetherness rarely feasible for a family of eight, especially with Caroline’s medical needs.
Caroline’s disabilities are what qualified the Wilson family for the Make-A-Wish program, who were represented at the event by volunteer Coleen Humphries.
Caroline struggles on a daily basis with issues like bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Her communication is severely limited due to her condition, but that doesn’t stop Caroline from enjoying all things Disney and her and Charlotte’s favorite princesses, Belle and Cinderella.
However, her greatest joy comes from the melodies of one particular country singer.
“Caroline’s all-time favorite is Alan Jackson,” Wilson pointed out. “Anything Alan Jackson does, she is in love.”
Charlotte, who just completed the fourth grade at Coosa Valley Academy, excels academically while watching “Full House” reruns when she get’s a chance in her free time.
The send-off, attended by beloved Disney princesses and iconic figures such as Cinderella, Fairy Godmother, Belle, Elsa, Ariel, Snow White, Tinkerbell, and even the Chick-fil-A cow mascot, displayed the community’s united effort in making dreams come true for the Wilson family.
As the Wilsons prepare to leave on their Disney adventure, the journey ahead symbolizes not just a vacation but a testament to resilience, the importance of community, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
“When you wish upon a starMakes no difference who you are
When you wish upon a starYour dreams come true”
– Cliff Edwards
