About Us
How it started
Elijah’s Baby Bucket List
My name is Amy, and I am the writer, public speaker, and dedicated single mother behind Elijah’s Baby Bucket List. Elijah is the youngest of ten siblings. He was diagnosed with a rare terminal brain condition known as Lissencephaly. At eight months old, doctors said he would not live to see his second birthday.
In response, I packed our family into the car for a road trip from Illinois to Florida. Standing by the ocean, we made a vow. If Elijah’s time with us was to be brief, we had a mission. We would show him as much of the world as possible. Through this journey, I learned the true meaning of resilience and the power of a mother’s love. I discovered strength I never knew I had and an unwavering hope that carried us through the toughest days. The support from friends and strangers alike was a comforting reminder that we were not alone on this path.
What we found
During our travels, I discovered a lack of information on planning wheelchair-accessible family adventures for medically complex people. This realization sparked a new purpose. I aim to gather and share information. The goal is to help others find accessible adventures that welcome the entire family, no matter the diagnosis.
One particular moment that stands out vividly is our visit to the Very Large Array. The Very Large Array is the world’s most versatile, widely used radio telescope. The kids have always been fascinated by the stars, radio astronomy, and the idea of space travel. I was determined to make this dream a reality for them. As we wheeled him into the visitor complex, his eyes widened with wonder, amused at the sight of the towering, single-dish telescopes and displays.
The staff faced challenges. They went above and beyond to accommodate us. They ensured Elijah experienced the exhibits with his siblings just like any other child. As we stood beneath the massive dish I remember Elijah reaching up as if trying to touch the stars themselves. For a brief moment, his laughter echoed through the halls of the control tower. It mingled with the stories of space and the spirit of exploration.
What we realized
I realized that our journey was not just about seeing new places. It was about creating moments of pure joy and wonder. Each smile and each laugh became a precious memory. They were a testament to Elijah’s resilience. The boundless love fueled our travels. By sharing these experiences, I aim to inspire other families. I want them to seek out their own adventures. Even in the face of adversity, the world is full of possibilities waiting to be discovered.
