By Ally Morrison
Carter Cullen, a Deer Valley Elementary School fourth grader, attended a pep rally at Hoover High School on Feb. 28, where he received the surprise of a lifetime.
When Carter was 3, he suffered a life-threatening medical emergency that doctors were unable to identify. After countless appointments, tests and hospital stays, Cater was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening neurological condition that he continues to fight each day.
During Hoover City School’s Be Kind Week, Hoover High School students and employees raised more than $5,000 to benefit Magic Moments and, in turn, helped grant Carter’s wish of going to Disney World.
Carter, along with two other elementary students, attended the high school pep rally to judge Disney-themed dance routines put on by the students of Hoover High. Carter and the judges made their way to the center of the gym after the performances, where he learned he was the real winner.
After students announced in unison that he would soon be going to Disney World, an excited Carter threw his hands in the air.
Although his life has looked different than most children his age, he will get the chance to be a carefree kid for awhile during an all-expense-paid trip of a lifetime. Along with his parents and siblings, Carter will have access to all of the parks at Disney World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld and others.
Magic Moments is a wish-granting organization devoted to children in Alabama ages 4-18 diagnosed with chronic life-threatening illnesses. In addition to granting wishes, the organization provides a support network to connect children and families in similar situations with each other.
