Colleagues Come Together To Make Single Mom's Dream Come True

MATTITUCK, NY — For a single mom living paycheck to paycheck on Long Island, it's hard to see dreams realized.

So said Jocelyn Haas, who created a GoFundMe page "Jacob's First Trip to Disney World," as a surprise for her friend and colleague Alison Permakoff.

"Ali would love nothing more than to surprise Jacob with a trip to Disney World," Haas wrote. "Having raised Jacob on her own since birth, Disney has always seemed a far-out dream, given the exponential cost incurred when planning a trip. With the help of our Corcoran family, her family and friends, I know together, we will be able to make this dream come true."

Speaking to Patch, Haas said the biggest challenge for Permakoff, and for so many living on Long Island with a single income, is the fact that living paycheck to paycheck "is paralyzing — especially when your next paycheck is already spoken for. I wish i could see her catch up on bills and breathe."

Permakoff's son has always wanted to go to Disney World, "but the expense to go has been daunting," Haas said. "I personally know the struggle, as I was a single mom for many years myself. I know how challenging it is, just holding it together day in and day out. I've watched her struggle, as her supervisor for a few years, and wanted to do something that would allow them to enjoy such a wonderful experience."

With the help of her agents and her friends and family, Haas said they've been able to raise about $1,900 so far.

Haas said she sent a letter to her Corcoran family that read: "Having just recently purchased a Disney Vacation Club timeshare, I realize how fortunate I am, to be able to share these precious moments with my children, memories they will never forget. As a single mother, Ali has not yet had the means to bring Jacob to Disney, and I would like to change this."

Together, her friends and coworkers are raising money for plane fare and park tickets for a 4 to 5 day trip; Haas will use her timeshare points to cover the rooms, she said.

"Together, we can bring this dream for Ali and Jacob to fruition," she wrote.

When Haas and other colleagues told Permakoff at an office meeting, she was surprised and overwhelmed. "She simply cried, cried happy tears — it was so touching," Haas said.

Photo courtesy GoFundMe.