In the summer of 2024, the Make-A-Wish Foundation applied to the Betenbough Homes Midland region for a $7,500 community grant, the maximum amount a non-evangelical organization can ask for according to our guidelines. Maurie Bratcher, connections specialist, presented the request to the area director and managers. She shared that the medical data shows when critically ill children are given a dream-come-true experience, they heal more quickly, respond more positively to treatments, and have an increased survival rate. After hearing those facts, the Midland regional managers unanimously decided to fund an entire wish for $11,000.

Betenbough’s funding granted a trip to Disney World for eight-year-old Jaelynn Garcia and her family. Jaelynn was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic condition that causes life-threatening respiratory and digestive complications, as well as affecting other major systems in the body.

Jaelynn’s mother, Veronica, shares about the impact this disease has had on their family. “Caring for her is very, very expensive. Insurance doesn’t pay for all her prescriptions. We don’t qualify for all the services she needs. It’s a battle.” Jaelynn requires multiple medications to help manage this illness. The family travels to Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth every quarter so Jaelynn can see her medical specialists. The Garcia family’s time and resources go primarily to keeping Jaelynn healthy.

Jaelynn’s dream was to visit Disney World and meet Stitch.

Veronica says that she and her husband have wanted to take the family to Disney World, but it hasn’t been possible.

“You made it happen for her. Especially at a time when she can really enjoy it. We’re blessed that you guys are doing this.”
– Veronica Garcia

Because we fully funded the wish, the Make-A-Wish Foundation gave Betenbough Homes Midland the opportunity to host a “wish celebration” for Jaelynn and her family. Maurie planned an event that would, in itself, be a dream come true for Jaelynn.

The family arrived at the Midland New Home Center, walking down a red carpet surrounded by Betenbough employees and their families, Make-A-Wish representatives, and extended family all cheering for them. Lilo and Stitch themed balloons, decorations, and cake were in abundance. Bounce houses, a ball pit, face painting, horseback riding, a catered lunch, and a snow cone truck all created a carnival atmosphere of fun, celebration, and childlike wonder.

Reserved little Jaelynn was overwhelmed by the crowd at first, but she quickly warmed up, enjoying the other kids, the food, and all the activities. The daughter of Harrison Roeder, construction manager, brought a stuffed Stitch and gave it to Jaelynn. She had a big smile on her face by the end of the party.

Maurie explains that this celebration was important for many reasons. The party was a full-circle moment to help connect all the team members and their families with why we do what we do. In addition, it helped connect Midland with the heart of Betenbough Homes. Most people know we build homes, but through this celebration for Jaelynn, the city got to see that we also build relationships and communities. “We want to be good neighbors,” Maurie says. This was an opportunity to shine a light on the greater reach of Betenbough—revealing God and His Kingdom in the marketplace.

Veronica reports that leading up to the trip, Jaelynn talked non-stop about her vacation to Disney World. She had a calendar to mark off the days before the trip and asked daily, “When are we leaving?”

The Garcia family went to Disney World in October.

According to Veronica, Jaelynn “absolutely had the best time.” Coping with critical illness has made Jaelynn brave; she wanted to ride everything, including the big rollercoasters. After the trip, Jaelynn immediately started asking when the family can return to Disney World, and she has made a list of all the rides she wants to do again. Veronica sent the following message along with photos of their trip:

“We are so thankful to the Betenbough family for making this all so very special.”

In Maurie’s words, “Generous stewardship isn’t about how much we can afford to give. We’ve been in a season of blessing in Midland. When that happens, we don’t get stingy. We get even more generous.”

Experience the magic of Jaelynn’s Wish Celebration here.