Six-year-old Amanda Esposito has battled her way through not one, but two open-heart surgeries.
“She was born with five congenital heart defects,” explained her mother, Renee Esposito, adding that Amanda underwent her first operation at just 7 months old.
But today, exactly four months since her second open-heart surgery, Amanda and her family are headed to Disney World, thanks to the Hearts and Courage Foundation, a charitable organization that works to grant wishes for children living with heart conditions.
Amanda’s one wish was to “see the princesses.”
The Espositos will be staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge during their five-day, fully funded trip.
It’s a moving experience for the Meriden family.
“I wish I could do it for somebody else. It makes me want to cry,” said Amanda’s father, Tony Esposito.
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Renee Esposito said the experience is bittersweet but she’s looking forward to their adventure.
“It’s emotional because of the reason why we’ve been granted this trip, but it’s very exciting,” she explained.
The family is scheduled to return Tuesday night.
