AMBER D
For Amber Dillon, Disneyland was more than a destination, it was a cherished family tradition and a place where some of her happiest childhood memories were made.
One of Amber’s last family vacations as a child was a trip to Disneyland when she was five years old. Shortly after returning home, her father was diagnosed with colon cancer at just 30 years old. As the years passed, those memories of being together became even more meaningful.
When Amber became a mother herself, she dreamed of one day sharing that same experience with her own children.
But in January 2024, while pregnant with her second child, Amber Dillon was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. What followed was an exhausting journey through chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and more chemotherapy; all while raising two young boys and trying to hold onto hope.
When scans later revealed that the cancer had spread to her lungs, bones, and skin, planning a family trip together became more urgent than ever.
After spending much of the previous year navigating treatments, appointments, and the realities of living with cancer, Amber longed for something simple yet profound: uninterrupted time with the people she loved most. She wanted to step away from hospitals and schedules and return to a place filled with joy, wonder, and connection.
Most of all, she wanted to pass forward a treasured family experience: to watch her sons walk down Main Street for the first time, just as she once had with her own parents decades earlier.
With support from Forward Foundation, Amber, her husband Brandon, their young boys, and their extended family travelled to Disneyland together.
The trip became much more than a vacation. It was a bridge between generations.
Amber was able to relive cherished childhood memories alongside her parents while creating new ones with her children. Grandparents watched grandchildren discover the magic for the first time. Parents and children shared moments of wonder together. Three generations gathered in a place that held deep meaning for their family, creating memories that will be carried forward for years to come.
In many ways, the experience reflected what mattered most to Amber: family, connection, and being fully present with the people she loved.
The laughter, smiles, and moments of togetherness shared on that trip became a priceless gift; not only for Amber, but for everyone fortunate enough to be part of it.
Amber passed away on April 28, 2026, surrounded by her family. Her legacy lives on through the love she shared, the memories she created, and the traditions she passed on to her children.
Experiences are about more than a place or activity. They are about creating connections that span generations and reminding us that the moments we share today become the memories our families carry forward tomorrow.
“I want my family to be together one last time at our favourite place on earth where everyone has a big bright smile on their face because the last year and a half trying to fight cancer has been the hardest thing for me and my family. It’s been my dream since I got diagnosed to take my two children on their first trip to Disneyland and to spend it there with my entire family.”
— Amber D (1995–2026)
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