Datko family heading to Disney World

By Elise Franco

The family was told to relax and let the Make-A-Wish Foundation take care of everything.

Mykel Datko of Austintown is looking forward to a getaway filled with warm weather, fun and celebrity sightings.

More specifically, Mickey Mouse.

Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Mykel, 6, along with his father, Jason Datko, 34; mother, Judith Datko, 35; half-sister Ashley Hudson, 15; and Jason’s girlfriend, Billie Schweikhart, 29; leave today for a vacation to Disney World in Orlando.

Mykel said he chose Disney because he’s always wanted to go.

“I’m excited because I haven’t gone before, but I wanted to for a long time,” he said. “I want to see a bunch of characters like Jesse from ‘Toy Story.’”

Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children between age 21‚Ñ2 and 18 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, said Nancy Whetstone, director of marketing and public relations for the Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and Central Ohio chapter.

Whetstone said in 2008, 35 children from the Mahoning Valley were granted wishes, and already this year the foundation is on its way to making wishes for 31 local children come true.

“We feel really fortunate because the Mahoning Valley is a really active hub,” she said.

Since age 1, Mykel has received treatment for thrombocytopenia, a condition that causes his blood-platelet count to be significantly less than the average person’s. Judith said the condition is life-threatening because even the slightest bump can cause internal bleeding.

“He can’t participate in contact activities,” she said. “Any type of head bump or trauma and he has to have a CAT scan to make sure he’s not bleeding.”

Judith said doctors aren’t sure what is causing the low platelet count, so for now Mykel goes once a week for platelet transfusions. She said the process usually takes between one and two hours, but could take as many as five hours, depending on how cooperative Mykel is and how low his platelet count is that day.

Despite physical limitations due to his condition, Mykel said he still has the same interests as other kids his age.

“I like to watch my favorite movie, ‘Madagascar 2,’ and play games and listen to music,” he said. “I like playing Spongebob on my Game Cube.”

Billie said the family is grateful to Make-A-Wish for reaching out to children like Mykel.

“They are there for kids like Mykel who wouldn’t normally be able to go away,” she said. “It’s good because it’s one way to keep his mind off the fact that he’s different from other kids.”

Judith said the foundation has taken care of all travel and lodging accommodation, and the family will be taken to and from the airport in a limousine. Once in Florida, they will stay in the Give Kids the World Village and have access to Universal Studios, Sea World and Disney World theme parks.

“They’ve taken care of everything,” Judith said. “They told us all we need to do is pack our bags and enjoy ourselves.”

Whetstone said a trip to a Disney theme park is still the most popular wish, even after it was first requested 25 years ago.

“The kids are given the royal treatment, and the families stay in these beautiful villas that are built with the medically fragile child in mind,” she said.

Whetstone said the children are given VIP treatment, including being first in line and meeting special Disney characters.

She said Mykel’s trip to Disney World costs close to the average wish cost of $6,500.

Mykel’s mom said if nothing else, she wants her son to have the time of his life.

“We are all just wanting him to have a wonderful time,” Judith said. “This is all about him and making sure he is happy.”

For more information about the foundation or how to refer a child, visit www.wish.org or call (216) 241-3670 or (614) 923-0555.

efranco@vindy.com