Ta’Kiyah,a 12-year-old girl who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2007, made a special trip to the White House to meet President Obama thanks to the help of Kids Wish Network.

Prior to her diagnosis, Ta’Kiyah used to complain about having headaches. She was taken to the hospital by her Aunt Cherie, and doctors discovered a malignant tumor on her brain. Ta’Kiyah spent about seven months in the hospital, and underwent chemotherapy to treat the tumor. She is currently in remission.

When a friend at the City Council of Dover told Cherie about Kids Wish Network, a nationally recognized non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses, Cherie was excited about the prospect of having a wish granted for her niece. Together with the help of Wish Coordinator Madeline, Wish Funding Specialist Megan, and some very special sponsors, Ta’Kiyah was on her way to the nation’s capital. A limo ride, hotel stay at the beautiful Hotel Adams—where President Obama stayed prior to the inauguration—dinner at the Hard Rock Café, a trip to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and a trip to southern style restaurant Georgia Brown’s were also included in Ta’Kiyah’s wish.

“Kids Wish Network is a great place,” said Cherie. “They did all they could to make Ta’Kiyah’s wish come true.”

Ta’Kiyah wanted to visit President Obama, because she wanted to ask him how it feels to be living in the White House; but her nerves got the best of her.

“I kept covering my eyes. I wasn’t crying. My eyes were just watery that day,” she said.

Cherie said that Ta’Kiyah was so nervous when she saw President Obama, but he told her, “Ta’Kiyah, you can take your hands off your eyes. It’s going to be OK.”

“When he told her it was going to be OK, she calmed down a little, little bit,” Cherie said. “He took the time to embrace her.”

Ta’Kiyah said her favorite part of the whole trip was shaking President Obama’s hand and dinner at the Hard Rock Café where she was made into a rock star. She also brought a scrapbook to show the president, with photos, special certificates and her report card.

“I was very impressed. He really took his time and looked at every picture and asked her what each picture represented,” said Cherie. “Thumbs up to everybody who made this possible for Ta’Kiyah.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Ta’Kiyah’s wish come true: Dover Masonic Lodge, Open Arms Baptist Church, People’s United Church of Dover, The White House and President Obama, Hay Adams Hotel, Hard Rock Café, Camelot Limousine Services, Georgia Brown’s, Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the National Park service.

Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children. Aside from granting wishes, Kids Wish Network also has several other programs which benefit children’s care facilities. If you know a child between the ages of 3 and 18 who may be in need of its wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit us at http://www.kidswishnetwork.org

Talk about a wish sponsor going above and beyond!!!! Aidan’s wish to go to Disney World was sponsored entirely by the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 83 in Kansas. I received a message from firefighter Aaron that we should expect to receive a special gift to send to Aidan. This was certainly an understatement. What we received was the most beautiful hand-painted fire helmet personalized with Aidan’s name. I wish I could be there to see Aidan’s face when he receives this most thoughtful gift from the firefighters in Kansas.

Donna

It’s not a secret that times are tough. However, even during these tough times, there are still kind-hearted people out there; People who let nothing get in their way to help a child who needs a wish granted. They have a special place in their hearts for children and the story of a child with a life-threatening illness really touches them. They even think “outside the box,” coming up with special ways to raise funds, like the Credit Union who came up with the idea of doing a 50/50 raffle. Then there’s the college that gets all the teachers to come together to help fund a child’s wish, or the American Legion who digs into their own pockets to help a child in need. I wanted to thank all the creative donors out there who go the extra mile to put a smile on the face of a child with a life threatening illness.

Megan
Development Dept.

Lexington, KY—A teen from Lexington has been chosen as a recipient of Kids Wish Network’s “Hero of the Month Award” by Kosair Children’s Hospital for risking his own life to save a friend. The Hero Program was created by the charity to help children who have experienced a life altering and often traumatic situation.

During a family outing on a boat with his girlfriend’s family, something terrible happened. In an act of heroism, Lester, a 14-year-old boy, was sucked under the boat by the motor, severely injuring his leg.

Lester was watching his girlfriend’s brother—who was knee boarding—when he saw the board flip up and hit the boy in the head. The boy was bleeding and unconscious, so Lester sprang into action.

“I looked at my girlfriend’s dad’s face and my girlfriend’s face and it was just kind of sad. So I decided to jump in and save him,” Lester said.

Lester reached the injured boy, and was in the process of pushing him up on the boat, when the motor sucked him in, and sliced his leg.

“He suffered three major wounds. One wound fractured his fibula and another one of the wounds ruptured the nerve that runs from the foot to the leg. The surgeon had to reattach that nerve so Lester could walk,” said Lester’s dad, Carlos.

Carlos said that Lester is making good progress, but still has limited movement. The doctor told him that the healing process will be slow, and could take up to two years until Lester has full movement again.

“The important thing is that he got to keep his leg. It will just be a matter of time until he will be able to do as much as he used to,” Carlos said.

Kids Wish Network works with over 100 children’s facilities across the country, and each month one child from each facility is nominated as a hero. Each of those children is then recognized as that facility’s “Hero of the Month” and receives a medal, a certificate of honor, a gift card valued at between $200 and $500—depending on the child’s age—to buy whatever they wish for, and a Hero of the Month t-shirt.

Kosair Children’s Hospital nominated Lester as their Hero of the Month for July.

“I thought the award was great but I wouldn’t have thought that would happen to me,” Lester said. “When I heard about it, it was basically the only positive thing that happened to me, so I was excited.”

Carlos said that once he had time to let everything sink in, he was amazed at what his son did.

“I was blown away by what he did. He is one of a kind,” he said. “And the nomination has really increased his self confidence.”

Carlos plans to use his gift card to purchase things for the upcoming school year.

“I want to get stuff for school: clothes, shoes, books and stuff like that,” said Lester.

Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children. Aside from granting wishes, Kids Wish Network also has several other programs which benefit children’s care facilities. If you know a child between the ages of 3 and 18 who may be in need of its wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit their website at http://www.kidswishnetwork.org

Rogersville, MO – Two young boys from Rogersville have been chosen as recipients of Kids Wish Network’s “Hero of the Month Award” program by Cox Health Systems Hospital. The award is given to children nationwide by Kids Wish Network, a national charity dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children. The Hero Program was created by the charity to help children who have experienced a life altering and often traumatic situation.

It was an ordinary ride home from grandma’s house for 3-year-old Isaiah and 4-year-old Elijah. Their father, Clint, had just picked them up and they were less than a minute away from home when a drunk driver crossed into their lane, causing Clint to swerve out of the way, flipping their Jeep Cherokee several times.

The jeep was stuck upside down, and it took over 50 minutes for medical crews to extract Clint from the vehicle. Isaiah sustained serious injuries, and was sedated at the scene.
The boys were taken along with their father to nearby hospital, Cox Health Systems.

“Isaiah’s injuries were much worse than Elijah’s, but Elijah remembered everything and was more emotionally damaged,” said Amanda, Isaiah and Elijah’s mom.

Kids Wish Network works with over 100 children’s facilities across the country, and each month one child from each facility is nominated as a hero. Each of those children is then recognized as that facility’s “Hero of the Month” and receives a medal, a certificate of honor, a gift card valued at between $200 and $500 depending on the child’s age, to buy whatever they wish for, and a Hero of the Month t-shirt.

Cox Health Systems nominated Elijah as their Hero of the Month for July.

Since the accident, Amanda said that everyone is doing OK. She said that the hero nomination has helped everyone cope much better.

“It helped Elijah get through it. Any time anyone comes over he shows them his award and tells them he is a superhero,” said Amanda. “He wears that medal all the time. We framed his award and its hanging on his wall in his bedroom.”

“When I first met Elijah, his only concern was for his little brother and his father,” said Child Life Specialist Amanda. “He is my hero because he was so focused on his brother that he did not care how he felt.”

The family recently found out that Isaiah will be receiving the honor for the month of August. “I already have a frame ready and the certificate is going up on the wall. He’ll be really excited when he gets his medal because he always wants to play with Elijah’s medal,” she said.

Amanda said she is excited that both boys will be recipients of the award. “I think it is a wonderful program for kids who have gone through traumatic experiences to say, “look what I did, look what I got!” she said.

Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children. Aside from granting wishes, Kids Wish Network also has several other programs which benefit children’s care facilities. If you know a child between the ages of 3 and 18 who may be in need of its wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit their website at http://www.kidswishnetwork.org

I had been diligently working on fulfilling Zachary’s wish and seemed to be getting nowhere when I reached the Moose Family Center close to where he lives. This was such a touching experience not only for me but for the family and especially Zachary. They not only held fundraisers for him but also made him an honorary member of the Moose so that he can go back and enjoy all the new friends he made. The sponsors that we are fortunate to connect with are truly special people and do some amazing things for our kids. I will never forget Fred and all of his efforts and kindness not only to me but especially to Zachary. It just reminds me that there are truly angels living among us!!

Doris
Development Dept.

Even on a stormy Florida day like today, I just love hearing all the sunny people here at Kids Wish Network headquarters. Despite the thunderclaps that punctuate phone calls to newspaper offices, sponsors, hospitals and wish kids, everyone is just doing a fantastic job. I see smiles everywhere and bright attitudes that are even outshining the sun at the moment. It’s a great feeling and I just wanted everyone to know the joy I always witness here.

~Alicia
Editorial Dept.

I recently put together a wish for a very special little girl named Gildiana. About 1 month ago I was given a “rush” wish for a six year old little girl who lives in Miami with a malignant brain tumor. When I contacted Gildiana and asked her about her wish, she said she wanted to go on a shopping spree at Wal-Mart for Dora and Princess toys as well as a TV for her room.

I immediately contacted the district office for Wal-Mart and was told to contact the store in Hialeah Gardens. When I did the Wal-Mart management team was excited to be able to help with this special wish. They agreed to donate a gift card and to make her shopping experience unique.

I was trying to think of ways to make this wish extraordinary so I contacted Horse Drawn Dreams to try to arrange for a “Cinderella” carriage to help Gildiana make a grand entrance at Wal-Mart. Horse Drawn Dreams was eager to help. Fabiola at Wal-mart called Mayor De La Cruz of Hialeah Gardens and he too was on board to make this a day to be remembered. He accompanied Gildiana on her spree and also bought a gift card to help her with her purchases. That day Gildiana was precious in her white princess gown that was donated by Little Adventures, LLC. She was able to get all the things she wanted and more!

I want to thank all the people in the community who helped to make this dream possible for Gildiana. I also want to thank the many people who were so touched by this little angel’s story who have called in to offer their support and best wishes to Gildiana and her family. No matter what the future holds for this little girl she has definitely touched many people in a big way!

Jill

Drove to Orlando yesterday to attend “The Gift Show”. We met some really nice people with some really nice stuff our kids would love. I’m excited to see what they donate!!!l

Ashley

It has been about one month since I have started working at Kids Wish Network.  When I graduated from college I never thought I would be working for a wish granting organization, but I have to say that I am enjoying my experience here.           

My official title is Wish Referral Specialist/Writer, and I have had the pleasure of getting many applications sent out and started, as well as writing a few press releases and stories about our wish kids.  I feel like I am contributing to something important every time I pick up the phone and dial a parent’s number.

It always amazes me when I hear the illnesses that some of these kids have: Leukemia, Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida, heart problems, and so many more.  It makes me realize that if these kids can go through what they have to endure on a daily basis, my problems are basically non-existent.  

My goal upon graduating college was to get employed at a newspaper or magazine where I could gain experience and expand my personal portfolio, but I ended up here, at Kids Wish Network.  And it feels nice to say that I am contributing to a greater cause than the expansion of my portfolio!

Today I had such an amazing morning!!! I got to help out with a toy drive for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and local Tampa TV station Fox 13. They partnered together to help stock the toy shelves for the children who are at the hospital. Talk about Christmas in July!!! Some of my fellow “Heroes” and I took over about $20,000 worth of toys!!! It was super hot outside but it was well worth it!!! Can you imagine the smile on the kids’ faces when they see all these toys arrive!?!?! I think my favorite item that went over was a toy house for the playroom!! It was super heavy so we let some of the guys carry that one!

Everyone over at Fox 13 was awesome!! I can’t imagine getting up that early every morning, but they do it with smiles on their faces! Doing the live shots was a lot of fun. It took us an hour to unload a truck full of toys but that’s only because we stopped working when the cameras were off! Gotta love live TV!!!

It’s such a great feeling knowing that we are helping to put a smile on a child’s face. I can’t imagine a better way to spend my day!! Thanks Fox 13 and St Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for allowing us to participate!!! Can’t wait until the next event!!!!!

Margo

Wow!

Imagine being 12-years-old and having a private audience with the President of the United States.  That is exactly what happened to Ta’Kiyah, a sweet little girl from Dover, DE.  Ta’Kiyah’s presidential wish was granted by Kids Wish Network.   

Ta’Kiyah was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and has endured months of hospital stays, chemotherapy and doctor visits. 

Her wish started off in style as she was picked up at her home in Dover in a limousine courtesy of Camelot Limousine Service and driven to Washington D.C. where she was welcomed by the attentive staff at the 5-star Hay Adams Hotel.  She loved how the staff greeted her by name every day and the surprises that they would leave in her room each night.  She was thrilled when she learned that this was the same hotel that the Obama family stayed in prior to the inauguration.

That night she was made an “official rock star” at the Hard Rock Cafe.  She was mesmerized by all of the memorabilia and the D.J. played all of her favorite music. 

The next day was fraught with emotions.  Ta’Kiyah was nervous as she headed over to the White House.  As she waited in the Oval Office Lobby, her emotions began to get the best of her.  Finally, the time had come.  She stood, covering her eyes and trepiditiously made her way around the corner.  President Obama stood there waiting for her but Ta’Kiyah’s feet wouldn’t move!  President Obama kindly told her to uncover her eyes and approach him.  “Ta’kiyah, put your hands down, it’s going to be ok”, he coaxed.  Slowly, she approached him and he shook her hand and then warmly embraced her, telling her there was nothing to be nervous about. 

He took her into his office as Ta’Kiyah’s aunt looked on with tears in her eyes as well.  Ta’Kiyah shared her scrapbook filled with personal pictures and mementos.  President Obama was impressed with the numerous scholastic accolades that Ta’Kiyah had received and with her personal struggles with cancer.  He gave her a beautiful Presidential coin and Ta’Kiyah reciprocated with a Kids Wish Network Guardian Angel Coin. 

Later, Ta’Kiyah beamed with happiness about her experience. She said it was the best day of her life and, “That I wasn’t crying, my eyes were just watery that day!” 

Madeline