By By Chris Allen Baker/staff writer
Feb. 28, 2002
Christopher Sutton of Meridian turned 6 today and before one candle was blown out on his cake, his wish to see Walt Disney World already had been granted.
Christopher and his brother, Nathan, 4, leave Monday for Florida on a trip sponsored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Sprint PCS. Make-A-Wish is a nonprofit organization that grants wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.
The boy's father, Jason Sutton, said his children suffer from a genetic disorder that has left them developmentally delayed and unable to speak. He said their condition is not life threatening.
The Sutton family attended a send-off party in their honor Wednesday night at Pizza Hut in Meridian. The party included family and the boys' teachers from Enterprise Elementary School.
Jason, agreed: "It really hasn't sunk in yet. I guess it will when we get there."
Daphne said she learned about Make-A-Wish last year when she watched "Annabell's Wish," a movie that spotlighted the organization. She called the foundation and submitted her sons' names for consideration.
Six months ago Make-A-Wish called her to say her sons' wishes would be granted.
Because Christopher and Nathan can't talk, Daphne said she submitted Disney World as their wish based on all the Disney television programs her sons like to watch.
The boys' favorite characters include Mickey Mouse, Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger, Goofy and the Bear in the Big Blue House.
Vicki Tucker, a volunteer with the Make-A-Wish chapter in Lauderdale County, said the No. 1 wish among children is Disney World and the No. 2 wish is to meet celebrities.