Mouse-Aid – Nonprofit of the Month

Mouse-Aid is a nonprofit that offers information for people with medical and mental health problems about visiting Disney World. They also provide financial aid when available, which comes from their sponsors. In order to be eligible for financial assistance, you cannot be eligible for other programs, such as Make A Wish or Dream Foundation.

Besides money to travel, Mouse-Aid gives away gift cards, admission tickets to Disney World, scooter rentals, bottles of water, and gifts.  Money is also raised by members who purchase Mouse-Aid products, such as T-Shirts and coolers. There’s a forum on Mouse-Aid, where members can cheer up other “members going through a difficult time or illness, even with a small gesture or card.” There are meet ups at Walt Disney World and other sites as well to help keep members connected, offer support and brain storm for ideas. This helps keep the community strong.

This month, September is Mouse-Aid’s third anniversary. There are currently 15 – 20 members who are regular visitors to the forum and more who visit less frequently. Besides the forum, the site includes articles written by people who have some type of health condition or are parents of children with a medical condition. On the main page, you’ll find a “Library” of articles for specific subjects such as Travel with a Disabled Child and Grief and Loss.

Beth, one of the founders, promotes the Mouse-Aid on Facebook. She met Kyle and his wife who had a son, Hayden, with a terminal condition. Kyle couldn’t find an organization to help them get Hayden to Disney World. He was too young (about a year old), but had a prognosis of 6 – 9 months. Although Kyle was dealing with the very painful news about his son, he went to work with his family and some local businesses to raise money for Hayden to visit Disney World. It was a success and was a trip that created memories for the entire family. Hayden was able to visit Disney World but passed away at almost 3 years old.

Beth recognized the need for detailed information on attractions, hotels, parks, transportation and more and financial help for people of all ages with medical and special needs. Also, families who want to return to Disney World after the loss of a family member need guidance and coping skills, so Mouse-Aid was started.

Become a member of Mouse-Aid, a sponsor, or purchase a shirt to help raise money for this nonprofit. Share the information with people you know that need some type of assistance to attend Disney World because of a medical or mental health condition. The application can be filled out online.