Published: December 19, 2007 10:06 pm         

Kindergartner with rare disease gets Disney World wish granted

Ryan Snuffer says his daughter Hannah’s middle name is Noel because she was born three days after Christmas. For her sixth birthday, she will be in Disney World.

Hannah, her parents and 2-year-old brother Luke will go to the Magic Kingdom on Dec. 28 on a trip provided by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The organization works to grant wishes for children who have life-threatening medical conditions.

Ryan Snuffer said his daughter has neuronal intestinal dyspalsia, a disorder that affects the nerves inside Hannah’s digestive system. The rare disorder, with which she was diagnosed at 7 months old, requires her to live on a mostly liquid diet and use of a feeding tube.

“This is an amazing moment,” Ryan Snuffer said. “It’s going to be right on her birthday and right after Christmas.

“I believe it’s symbolic. People should be giving year-round.”

Originally, Hannah wanted to meet Food Network personality Rachael Ray, but Ray’s schedule was apparently booked, Ryan Snuffer said. But one month ago, Hannah’s mother, Kellie Snuffer, received a phone call that was equally exciting for Hannah.

“Hannah was jumping up and down saying ‘Disney!’” Ryan Snuffer said.

Kellie Snuffer said she had the same reaction — jumping up and down as well.

“It’s a dream for her, and that is special for me,” she said.

“I want to say thank you. We all ought to be helping one another and people in need. It’s a lot to deal with, having a life-threatening illness in the family. If we all just shared and helped, the world would be a much better place.”

Ryan and Kellie say Hannah is a fan of Disney princesses and loves animals, noting they will stay at Disney’s Wildlife Lodge and visit Sea World. They expressed gratitude toward Sophia City Fire Department members whose building was used for Hannah’s wish presentation ceremony Wednesday; Hair Factory owner Sam Farley, who brought her pony Chucky to the ceremony dressed like a prince; those who donate to Make-A-Wish; and Kelly Cochran, the Make-A-Wish volunteer who worked to grant Hannah’s wish.

Cochran, a Beckley resident, said the main Make-A-Wish Foundation office receives individual children’s information, which is then passed on to volunteers like her. Her job is to basically find out a child’s heart’s desire and make it a reality.

“I am very excited for her, and I hope all of her wishes come true.”

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