The kids got a big sendoff at the National Guard aviation facility in Trenton-Mercer Airport on Tuesday Watch video
EWING -- They say Disney World is the place where dreams come true, and for the more than 100 children who boarded a plane to the theme park early Tuesday, that couldn't have been more accurate.
Their daylong excursion was made possible by the Mercer County chapter of the Sunshine Foundation, an organization with the mission to answer the dreams of chronically ill, seriously ill, challenged and abused children.
Operation Dreamlift, which is now in its 20th year, offers them a brief escape from the tests, treatments and hospital stays that they often have to endure.
For Niki Ramirez, whose 9-year-old twins Shayna and Bryanna have Chiari Malformation, a serious neurological disorder, the trip was a lot to take in.
"This is just absolutely amazing," she said. "I cannot thank everybody enough for all of this."
Amid cheers, a few tears and plenty of hugs, the kids got a big sendoff at the National Guard aviation facility in Trenton-Mercer Airport on Tuesday.
They boarded a charter jet around 8 a.m. with the help of familiar mascots, a cast of Disney characters, dozens of police officers and troopers, firefighters and politicians.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.