A one-one-one chat with Mickey Mouse… cookies for breakfast… that GI Joe paratrooper… a sweeter, quieter (maybe non-existent?) little sister…. Remember the things you yearned for when you were five? Every kid deserves the simple wishes that go along with a carefree childhood.

These days, we at DefeatDD have somewhat loftier aspirations: Rotavirus vaccines for children in every country; clean and fresh water for a lifesaving dose of ORS; partnerships that encourage a vibrant health policy environment. But frankly, when it all boils down, we'll mostly just settle for getting more people to talk about poop.

Since that actually might not be too far off from our thoughts at age five, we thought we'd share with you our hearts' desires from back in the day (you know, when Earth's magma was first cooling, fish were sprouting limbs and wriggling from primordial seas, etc., etc.).

Hope at age 5: I wish I had a magical wardrobe that would take me to Narnia.
Hope today: I wish that no child would die from a preventable illness.

Eileen at age 5: I wish I still had some chocolate in my easter basket.
Eileen today: I wish for children to grow up healthy to become learners and earners for their families.

Allison at age 5: I wish I had roller skates!
Allison today: I wish that all kids could have access to the same vaccines that my children do.

Katie at age 5: I wish this cupcake was a little bit smaller so that I could fit it into my mouth.
Katie today: I wish that no child would die from a vaccine preventable disease.

Lauren at age 5: I wish I had a pet giraffe.
Lauren today: I wish for every kid to have the chance to be a kid, without the worry of disease or hunger.

Deb at age 5: I wish my sister would stop stealing MY Little Pony!
Deb today: I wish all kids to be free from the threat of diarrheal disease.
 

Feeling nostalgic yet? Dig out then upload your adorable snapshot from yesteryear, and share your wishes, too!

--Deborah Kidd is a proud member of the Poo Crew, and a Senior Communications Officer at PATH.