ENERGY IN ACTION – EPISODE 069
Give Kids the World with Justin Kiser
Justin Kiser is a dad to Riley, who is five years old and has a rare form of mitochondrialRelated to the mitochondria. disease. The Kiser family was a recipient of a Mito Action and Give Kids the World wish trip. Justin shares details about their trip and what it meant to their family.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
Can you tell us about yourself and your family?
I’m a husband and father of four. We came into the mito family through my youngest daughter who has a rare mitochondrial disorder called ECHS1. She was diagnosed about three years ago through genetic markers after being born to her biological parents addicted to substances. We’re not sure if her disease was hereditary or environmental.
What was your experience as a recipient family of a Give Kids the World trip?
It was amazing. The fact that everything was paid for, not just for Riley, but for our whole family of six shocked me. The trip wasn’t just monumental for Riley- it was amazing for all of us and we had a great time together as a family. The resort was very clean, the villas were spacious enough for everyone, and everything was organized really well. We visited each Disney park, both Universal parks and Sea World. Everywhere we went, we were treated like royalty and there was so much care, love and compassion extended to Riley.
What was Riley’s favorite part of the wish trip?
Her favorite part was being able to eat ice cream all day, even for breakfast. A lot of her favorite parts of the trip was at the Give Kids the World resort, seeing the star fairy and having her star placed at the castle.
LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED
Give Kids the World — https://www.gktw.org/
Trip Wish Nomination — https://www.mitoaction.org/wishes/
