Wellman-Union student headed to Disney World with Kidd's Kids

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - When Isabel Bonilla walked into the gym at Wellman-Union, she was greeted with hundreds of students cheering and chanting her name.

The second grader was the star of today's send off because Thursday morning she will board a plane headed to Disney World.

Isabella is one of Kidd's Kids and has been battling leukemia for most of her life.

She is currently eight months in remission, and in September her family got word they would pack up their bags and head out to Orlando.

Isabel is a shy 9 year old, but she's obviously eager for the trip.

Who is the one person she's most eager to meet? Minnie Mouse, of course.

Her mom, Claudia Holstein, says what matters most is to see Isabel happy.

"She was always sad. I guess she was just in so much pain. But right now, it's different." Holstein said.

Isabel's teachers say that her vibrant personality is infectious and if there's anyone who deserves a getaway, it's her.

"Isabel is a very caring girl, very loving," said her second grade teacher, Bridget Brown.

"She loves to learn and she wants to be at school all the time. Even when she's not feeling good, she won't tell us because she wants to be at school and not at home."

Isabel was just a baby when Hurricane Katrina tore through their home. Half of her family was relocated to Houston.

But after hearing about the school's send off, they drove all night to make it to today's celebration.

Wellman-Union sent Isabel's family away with more than $1,000 of spending money and gift bags to entertain the kids on the plane.

They leave from the Lubbock International Airport Thursday morning.

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