When doctors told Amy Tarpein that her youngest son, Elijah, would not live to see his second birthday due to a rare, terminal brain condition called lissencephaly, she made a life-altering choice. Rather than waiting for the inevitable, the single mother packed her family into a car and drove from Illinois to Florida. Standing at the edge of the ocean, she made a promise: she would show her son as much of the world as possible in the time they had together.
That vow gave birth to Elijah’s Baby Bucket List, a platform now recognized as the Best Accessible Family Travel Blog in the United States for 2025 by the Evergreen Awards. What began as a mother’s determination to create meaningful experiences for her terminally ill child has evolved into a comprehensive resource addressing a critical gap in the travel industry.
During her journeys with Elijah, Tarpein discovered a troubling lack of reliable information for planning wheelchair-accessible family adventures—not only for families with medical complexities but also for multi-generational travelers. “I realized our journey was not just about seeing new places. It was about creating moments of pure joy and wonder. Each smile and each laugh became a precious memory,” shares Tarpein, who is raising Elijah as the youngest of ten siblings.
What sets Elijah’s Baby Bucket List apart from typical travel resources is its combination of deeply personal storytelling and practical guidance. Rather than simply listing destinations, the platform explores the emotional and logistical challenges families face while traveling with medical considerations, offering insights that are both informative and inspiring.
Tarpein’s work extends beyond storytelling. She actively collaborates with travel destinations to improve accessibility and inclusivity, helping them implement meaningful changes that benefit travelers with mobility challenges. This advocacy has established her as a leading voice in accessible travel, earning recognition from both industry professionals and families alike.
Since its founding, Elijah’s Baby Bucket List has earned national recognition for its impact. The platform has received two Anthem Awards for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, including the Anthem Award for Accessible Family Travel – Special Projects, honoring its leadership in advancing inclusive travel through storytelling and practical advocacy.
Industry partners have noted the value of Tarpein’s perspective. Erin Manning, Director of Marketing and Special Events at Exploration Place in Wichita, Kansas, remarked, “I especially appreciated the point of view of visiting our hands-on museum with someone in a wheelchair. It’s valuable to hear Amy speak on behalf of her family and share her authentic experience.”
The platform has also fostered a supportive community where families facing similar challenges can connect, share experiences, and encourage one another. One visitor, Michael R., described it as “a game-changer for accessible travel. Their insightful blogs and engaging social media presence provided our family with invaluable resources and inspiration to embark on adventures we never thought possible.”
As a bestselling author, internationally recognized speaker, influential travel writer, and CEO of Elijah’s Baby Bucket List, Tarpein continues to champion accessible travel while demonstrating that families facing medical challenges can still create meaningful memories through thoughtfully planned adventures.
What began as a mother’s response to heartbreaking news has blossomed into a movement reshaping the travel industry. Through determination, advocacy, and love, Tarpein proves that the world can be accessible and joyful for all families.
