Meet Leilani Rivera – A 2022 Kidd’s Kids That’s Going To Disney World

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The annual Kidd's Kids Trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is coming up Thursday, November 17th thru Monday, November 21st. This is a very special trip for kids that have a life-altering or life-threatening condition for them, their parents, and siblings and it is 100% paid for by the generosity of KiddNation.

This year there are two East Texas children that will be boarding a special Southwest Airlines plane next Thursday from a private hangar at Love Field Airport in Dallas that will take off and fly them to the 'Happiest Place On Earth', thanks to your support. Zane Smythia, 8 years old, and Leilani Rivera, 9 years old, will be hopping aboard the plane along with 25 other families from around the nation to have the time of their lives at Walt Disney World with the cast of The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show. Let's meet these special children from East Texas.

Before going on the trip, the Kidd's Kids foundation conducts a lot of interviews and questions to get to know these families better along with any special needs that they may have while on the trip. Although it is a vacation, some of the kids going on the trip still require some kind of medical supervision and while on the trip there is a team of doctors that volunteer their time and accompany these special kids and tend to their needs.

Let's get to know 9 year old Lailani Rivera:

The following is from a questionnaire from Kidd's Kids and is being reproduced under the permission of Kidd's Kids.

For each member of your party (particularly each child), please list their favorite animated Disney character or characters. Are there any special reasons why?

Lani: Abo/simba Mom: Baymax Dad: Simba

Which Walt Disney World attractions are members of your party most looking forward to riding?

Tea Cups, Avatar attractions, Star Wars rides

Which Walt Disney World Stage shows are members of your party most looking forward to seeing?

Festival of the Lion King, and night firework shows

Do you, your Kidd’s Kid or any other members of your party have a favorite member of the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show team? If so, why?

Ana and PT Justin

What do you think the most exciting part of the Kidd’s Kids Trip is going to be and why?

having a family vacation

What are your Kidd’s Kid’s special interests (for example: science, art, theatre, music)? Does he/she have any special goals?

music, art and science. to one day build a big Lego set

As a parent, what are some of the things that you are looking forward to seeing your child do while on the Kidd’s Kids trip, and why?

Socialize with other kids and adults. She is very antisocial and shy.

Are there any attractions/shows that you (as a parent) want to make sure you see?

Stars Wars shows

What is the most incredible thing about your Kidd’s Kid? Is there a story behind it?

She is the bravest and strongest little girl I know. She is a very creative and happy child after everything she went through.

How has your Kidd’s Kid surprised you? Is there something he or she has done to strengthen them through a tough time?

By staying positive even after going through cancer twice. Stay creative and read a lot.

Tell us about the moment your family found out you were selected to go on the trip. What was your first thought?

Realized something good was finally happening. We waited to open the letter until everyone was home.

Is there someone outside your family who makes a difference with your family? (i.e. teacher, nurse, doctor, etc.)

Mrs. Lyles and Mrs. Greer her teachers helped her stay on track and support her

Is there a song or phrase that helps your Kidd’s Kid through tough times?

Something just like this - Coldplay

We are so proud and thankful that Leilani along with her mom and dad, are going to be a part of this special trip that is going to make many lifelong memories for them. Also a huge thank you to KiddNation for making this trip possible. Leilani and the rest of the 2022 Kidd's Kids will be leaving Thursday, November 17th, and enjoying the Disney parks through Sunday and will be back home Monday with many stories to tell his classmates.

You can follow the adventures of the Kidd's Kids trip across all social media platforms - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok.