Central Texas family who has two kids with disabilities selected for free trip to Disney World

2025-07-16
Central Texas family who has two kids with disabilities selected for free trip to Disney World

Courageous Family Embarks on Disney Dream Vacation

A Central Texas family, the Copps, have been selected to receive an all-expense-paid trip to Disney World, thanks to the nonprofit organization Kidd's Kids. The family, consisting of parents Jody and Melissa, and their two sons, Calen and Lawson, have faced significant challenges due to their sons' rare genetic condition, but this magical opportunity promises to provide much-needed respite and rejuvenation.

Unlocking the Magic of Disney for Families in Need

Overcoming Obstacles with Unwavering Strength

The Copp family's journey has been marked by immense challenges, as their sons, Calen and Lawson, were born with a rare genetic condition called combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency 13. This condition, caused by a mutation in the PNPT1 gene, has left the boys unable to walk, profoundly impacting their daily lives. Despite these obstacles, the family has remained steadfast, finding solace in their shared love of Disney movies on Friday nights.Melissa Copp, the mother, reflects on the profound impact this condition has had on their family, stating, "Life can be challenging for the boys who are now in 7th and 11th grades at Midway." However, the family's resilience shines through as they cherish their time together, bonding over their shared passion for Disney's enchanting tales.

A Transformative Opportunity: Kidd's Kids to the Rescue

In a remarkable turn of events, the Copp family has been selected to receive an all-expense-paid trip to Disney World, courtesy of the nonprofit organization Kidd's Kids. This organization, founded by the late radio host Kidd Kraddick, has a long history of providing families facing life-altering or life-threatening conditions with the opportunity to escape their everyday challenges and experience the magic of Disney.Jody Copp, the father, expresses immense gratitude for the generosity and support they have received, saying, "We are so thankful for Kidd's kids and other organizations that are able to send families like ours on these amazing trips. On our own, there is no way we'd be able to do this and go on a vacation to Disney World."

A Community's Embrace: Fixer Upper Brings Hope and Accessibility

The Copp family's story gained widespread attention when it was featured on an episode of the popular home renovation show, Fixer Upper, at the height of its popularity in 2018. The episode highlighted the family's struggles and the community's efforts to make their home more accessible for their sons.Melissa Copp recounts the incredible support they received, stating, "We continued looking for options to raise funds until we got the call that Magnolia teamed up with Tim Tebow to make this dream a reality for us." The Gaines family, along with Tebow's foundation, which helps disabled children, took on the project, transforming the Copp family's home to better accommodate their sons' needs.The outpouring of support from the community was overwhelming, as fans of the show rallied together to pay off the entire mortgage for the family. Melissa Copp expresses her gratitude, saying, "America came together so fast to make this happen and definitely just changed our lives in an instant."

A Magical Journey Awaits: The Copp Family's Disney Dreams Come True

With the support of Kidd's Kids, the Copp family will embark on a life-changing journey to Disney World, joining 32 other families facing similar challenges. This all-expense-paid trip promises to be a much-needed respite and an opportunity for the family to create cherished memories together.Melissa Copp reflects on the significance of this trip, stating, "We are just beside ourselves of the generosity shown to us." The family's resilience and the unwavering support of their community have paved the way for this magical adventure, which they hope will "rejuvenate our family and motivate us for years to come."As the Copp family prepares to embark on their Disney adventure, their story stands as a testament to the power of community, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative impact that organizations like Kidd's Kids can have on families facing extraordinary challenges. This journey promises to be a well-deserved and joyous escape, where the Copp family can immerse themselves in the wonder and enchantment of the most magical place on Earth.

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