Wow, where do I start? What an amazing adventure! I am still on a high from the whole experience! I had planned on blogging every day when away, but this didn’t work out because I had far too much to do there. So, I’m going to try and give you a daily synopsis and hopefully get across the excitement, enthusiasm and magic I experienced during the four days I spent with a lot of really wonderful people.

Day 1: Food City in Kingsport, Tennessee

Following an early flight, I finally arrived in Kingsport, Tennessee. What an amazing sight to see when we pulled into the car park at their local Food City. All I could see was mountains of toys, our toys! This packing event has been a tradition in these parts for many years now and they knew exactly what they were doing. What wonderful people! To the “uneducated eye” it might appear chaotic but boy did they have a system going. We packed 5,000 gift bags for boys and girls in approx. 3 hours. I felt so proud to see all the wonderful toys that KWN donated being packed into these Santa Train Gift Bags.

People were constantly thanking me, as the KWN representative, and complimenting us on the size of our donation and the wonderful variety of quality toys this year. Jamie from Food City, who has been involved in this event for the past seven years, said that donations were so low this year that without our donation, they would have been in big trouble. Apart from packing toys, Food City also had volunteers packing their donated food items for the train. There were a lot of smiles and laughter and everywhere there was an overall “feel good” atmosphere. It was dark when we finally came up for air after the job was done. It was an amazing thing to see everyone come together for this wonderful holiday tradition with a common goal: to reach out to the less fortunate, in particular the children and families of the Appalachians, and make their holidays a little brighter.

Stay tuned for Day 2…

Ashley
Distribution Department

It was a special and rare instance for me to be able to share in a magical experience last weekend. This past Saturday, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend the afternoon with a very special wish child and a “jolly ol’ soul” in a red suit.

From my very first conversation with Kira, she wiggled her way right into my heart. She’s very sweet and humble 9 year-old who is thankful for all that she has. When I asked her what it was that she wanted for her wish, she said a Petco gift card for her dog. She paused a moment then said, “What I really want to do is go on a shopping spree!” “Wiregrass,” she continued, “is my favorite place to shop.”

With the assistance of some special elves from The Shops at Wiregrass, Kira had her wish for a shopping spree come true. Kira’s day began at Petco where, thanks to the generosity of their kind-hearted employees, she was able to purchase a few items for her special little Lhasa Apso, Sammy. Next stop- the mall! There, Santa’s Chief Elf, Chad Doritan (Marketing Director of The Shops at Wiregrass), really went to work. First, there was shopping and lunch at Grillsmith, then a make-over at hq Aveda. Looking beautiful, Kira enjoyed a special meeting with Santa, followed by the opportunity to guest conduct along side the famous northerner for the Symphony in Lights Celebration. High above the crowd, Santa and Kira led the orchestral light show. After a serenade by the Alan Darcy Group, Kira’s night ended with dinner at Yamato.

It was my special pleasure as a Wish Coordinator to be able to share in this special day with Kira and her family. All of my kids are special, but every once in a while you come across one that grabs hold of your heart. Kira is one such child. This is due in part to the fact that I am a carrier of the Cystic Fibrosis gene, and there was a chance that my own child could have been afflicted with this illness. I am very thankful everyday that my own daughter is healthy.

Thank you for the chance to get to know you, Kira. Your heart, your courage and your smiles are inspirational!

Jen
Wish Department

This is a short week at Kids Wish Network. Not because there isn’t work to do, but because Thanksgiving is Thursday and we have Friday off, too.

For many people, Thanksgiving is about food, family and spending time with the ones they love. It is a time to remember what is important and to give thanks for all the ways they have been blessed.

Thanksgiving is such an awesome holiday. It is a day to slow down and take a look at all the wonderful things we have. It is a chance to escape from the toils of daily life – and the struggles we face each day – and truly be happy for what we have.

I try to remember what is important on a daily basis. I always like to think about the positive things in my life, and not get caught up in the snares of the world. But sometimes it is hard to focus on the good things, especially when you feel like there are too many problems you are facing.

Working at Kids Wish Network for the past five months has put life into a new perspective for me. I talk to so many different families who are struggling with issues that make my worries seem menial. Their strength and courage is truly a testament to the kind of people they are and the kind of faith they have.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for not having to face the issues that families across this country deal with every day. I know that there will be curveballs thrown at me in the future, and for that, I am thankful that I am working here because I will remember the ability of our families to pull through the tough times and maybe it will help me do the same.

Elizabeth
Wish Department

This past Saturday was a great day for me! I got to attend my first wish. The wish was for a little girl named Kira. Kira’s only wish was to go on a shopping spree at the Wiregrass Mall. I was so excited to be able to see firsthand what goes into making a wish possible. Usually I see photos or hear from the Wish Coordinator how a wish went. That day was a great new adventure for me!

So, on Saturday, Jennifer (Kira’s Wish Coordinator) and I were off to the mall to meet Kira. Our first stop was Aveda for Kira’s makeover. Aveda did her hair and makeup and made her look like a star. Next, Kira went to her favorite store, Justice. Jennifer and I got a special fashion show from Kira herself. She struck poses for the camera. It was so adorable!

After Kira shopped at Justice, she had to get dressed for her big performance. We were taken to a special location in the back of the mall. When we arrived, another surprise was waiting: SANTA! Santa was sitting in a chair, waiting to meet Kira one on one. I think everyone was quite surprised to see him.

Next, it was time for Kira’s big moment: to conduct the lighting of the tree ceremony to music with Santa. She was so high in the air so everyone could see her. When Santa introduced his special guest, I think I cheered the loudest! I was jumping and screaming and waving my arms. It was such a great moment.

Once Kira was reunited with her family, we all went to see Kira and her sister onstage. The band sang “Brown Eyed Girl” with a twist to include both Kira and her sister.

After a few photos, it was time to go. I think we were all sad it had to end. One of the greatest moments was when Kira’s Mother kept thanking us. I thanked her for giving me the opportunity to share this special time with Kira and her family. The whole day really made what I do seem more real for me. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. I don’t think I will ever forget Kira’s smiling face.

The Wiregrass Mall really outdid themselves. It was a spectacular day, one I will cherish always.

Megan
Development Department

I just wanted to wish everyone a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Vanessa
Wish Department

When I came to Kids Wish Network over a year and half ago, I had been laid off. My background was in mortgages and, with the market being so unstable, there was really nothing left for me to do in that industry. However, that was okay with me because I felt like I had reached a point in my life where I needed a change. Not knowing what to do next, I spent the next few months browsing the internet looking for something that would be different. I answered an ad for an Administrative Assistant at Kids Wish Network and I got an interview there; I was hopeful because just knew in my heart that it was “right.”

It is a wonderful feeling to get up every day with a purpose that goes beyond just the needs of my family and myself. The people here at Kids Wish are like a family; everyone seems to pull together if anyone is down or having troubles. I am so grateful for this opportunity not only to help children in need, but to also be around caring people who are much like my other family.

Heather
Distribution Department

As the Director of Distribution for Kids Wish Network, I am grateful for our ever faithful donors that give to our organization. Every day I come into the office and my goal is to ensure that every child we encounter will have what they need and then some. It brings me so much joy to see the tons of amazing toys that leave our warehouse and know in my heart that some very deserving children are going to be smiling and filled with happiness because of them. My heart overflows with joy every time I get a letter or survey back from a facility that we have served telling us how the children enjoyed the toys, games and various other gifts that were sent to them. I am so thankful that I can get up every morning and make a difference in a child’s life. I live to see that these kids are happy!

Barbara
Director of Distribution

DUNCAN, Okla. – A boy suffering from Crohn’s Disease has his only wish granted through children’s charity, Kids Wish Network.

Earlier this year, 13-year-old Shawn was asked what he wanted if he were to wish for anything in the world. He replied quickly that he wanted an Apple flat screen desktop computer. With the help of some outstanding local sponsors gathered by Kids Wish Network Wish Funding Specialist Doris, and some organizing by Wish Coordinator Jill, Shawn’s wish just came true.

You see, in 2001, Shawn was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract. This disease has caused a tumor to grow in his small intestine for which he must take chemo pills every day to try and shrink it. In addition, Shawn has severely damaged lungs that cause him an extreme amount of pain. He was hospitalized in 2003 because of this disorder and he must endure daily breathing treatments with an inhaler.

When he entrusted his wish to Jill, Shawn didn’t know that Jill was already thinking of adding some special surprises to his simple wish of an Apple flat screen desktop computer. In addition to the computer itself, Jill arranged to have a special desk chair, an Epson all-in-one printer and a gift box filled with all sorts of goodies sent to the teen.

Shawn’s mother, Rolinda, was more than happy that her son’s wish had come true: “I’m so happy for Shawn,” she said. “I am so proud that he’s so happy. It’s really amazing…really outstanding.”

According to Rolinda, now that her son has his new computer, “he will not stay off of it,” which is fine with her.

As for Shawn’s take on his wish, he is just excited and pleased: “I love it! It’s very nice!”

The computer is exactly what Shawn wanted and that’s all he could have asked for.

“It makes me happy to see him so happy,” said Rolinda.

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Shawn’s wish extra special: First United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, Beyond the Office Door, LLC. and Epson America, Inc.

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. 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 www.kidswishnetwork.org

SUITLAND, Md.- A little boy with a life-threatening illness has the wish of his life with Kids Wish Network.

It all started with a conversation between a nurse and Ian’s mother, Natasha, about Kids Wish Network, an organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.

You see, Ian has Type A Hemophilia. This is an inherited blood disorder that causes a lack of clotting, which leads to severe, almost constant bleeding. In his 5 years, Ian has endured three major surgeries and he is on various medications for his condition.

When Natasha called Kids Wish Network, she was surprised to find that they were more than willing to help her little guy. After the initial call, it wasn’t long before Ian was telling Wish Coordinator Jennifer all about his wish to visit the theme parks in Florida.

Along with the assistance of Wish Funding Specialist, Doris, and some outstanding sponsors, Jennifer worked her magic and set up an awesome family getaway for Ian and his family. This fabulous vacation included a stay at The Royal Plaza Hotel, dinner at the Pirates Dinner Adventure Theater and, of course, tickets to the Walt Disney World Resort and all of the other major Orlando theme parks!

Once in Orlando, Ian and his family enjoyed a real action-packed vacation; their itinerary was booked with fantastic activities and awesome places to visit. Even their dinners were planned out! Kids Wish Network thought of everything and Ian had the time of his young life on his wish trip.

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Ian’s wish extra special: American Legion Post 8, Compassion Partners, WonderWorks, Pirates Dinner Adventure, The Royal Plaza Hotel and The California Pizza Kitchen.

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. 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 www.kidswishnetwork.org.

MILLINGTON, Md. – A 6-year-old girl suffering from a life-threatening illness has her only wish granted through children’s charity, Kids Wish Network.

When she was born, Jessie was diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome. This is a rare congenital disease whose symptoms vary greatly between individuals but commonly include a history of recurrent infection and heart defects. In her five short years, Jessie’s already endured three open heart surgeries, a surgery to insert a tracheotomy tube and suffers from a seizure disorder. She must use either a wheelchair or a stroller for mobility and is fed via feeding tube. In addition, Jessie was recently given her own service dog (named Riley), uses sign language to communicate and is ventilator dependant for 15 hours every day.

One day, while reading her local paper, Jessie’s mother, Julie Ann, came across an article about a young man named Marshall Hill who had his wish granted through Kids Wish Network before his unfortunate passing months later. The article was to raise funds for the charity in Marshall’s name. Julie Ann wondered if Kids Wish Network could help her daughter as well, so she decided to give them a call.

Once in contact with Wish Coordinator Jill, Julie Ann entrusted her with Jessie’s wish to visit all of the theme parks in Orlando, Florida. With the help of Wish Funding Specialist Doris and some outstanding sponsors, Jill arranged hotel stays, dinner reservations and, of course, tickets to every theme park for Jessie and her family.

“It was all so great! It couldn’t have been better,” said Julie Ann.
While in Orlando, Jessie and her family visited Sea World, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.

“She loved it all,” said Julie Ann of Jessie’s reaction to the atmosphere of the many theme parks.

According to her mother, Jessie woke up early every day without a hint of grumpiness and signed that she wanted to “go.” Every day, her parents would ask her where she wanted to go and every day she would sign back “More boats, Mickey.” It was obvious what her favorite experiences were and that she wanted more of the same. Even Jessie’s service dog Riley enjoyed himself.

Now that she’s back home in Millington, Jessie still wakes up early every day, signing that she wants to “go” on “more boats” and see “Mickey.” Even though she’s feeling a bit under the weather, Jessie cheers up at any thought of “the most magical place on Earth.”

Jessie and her family loved the trip so much that they’re planning on making another trip there, much to Jessie’s glee.

“It was perfect,” said Julie Ann. “We feel so blessed. We’re so thankful!”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Jessie’s wish extra special: Fraternal Order of Police #110, Chesapeake City VFW Post 7687, Fair Winds Gun Club, Peoples Bank of Kent County, Compassion Partners, The Royal Plaza Hotel, Hampton Inn Fayetteville, Pirates Dinner Theatre, Wonder Works, Logan’s Roadhouse, Friendly’s Restaurant and Houlihan’s.

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. 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 www.kidswishnetwork.org.

SILVER SPRING, Md. – A little girl with a life-threatening illness has all of her magical wishes come true when she visits Disneyland with a little help from Kids Wish Network.

From the moment she was born, Ryann has suffered from an inherited blood disorder called Sickle Cell Anemia. Those suffering with this disease experience severe episodes of pain and eventual organ damage; they are also at high risk for stroke and cardiac arrest. Ryann suffers extreme pain crises when the temperature changes and she is on a strict daily medication regimen for her condition.

While at the hospital for one of Ryann’s many visits, Ryann’s mother June was talking to a Child Life Specialist who mentioned that Ryann might benefit from having a wish granted. So, when she got home, June went online and searched for wish-granting organizations. The first one she noticed was Kids Wish Network and she took that as a “sign,” so she gave them a call.

After a round of paperwork and phone calls, June gave the phone to Ryann who entrusted her special wish to visit Disneyland in California to Wish Coordinator Jennifer.

Jennifer assured the little girl that her wish would come true and boy did it! With the help of Wish Funding Specialist Megan and some terrific sponsors, Jen arranged to send Ryann and her family out to California for a few days of theme park exploring that included accommodations and dinner reservations as well!

“It was all so great!” said June. “We had an awesome time. Ryann loved it. We were all amazed.”

Ryann got to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. She rode every ride she wanted and she even braved the hair-raising “Twilight Zone Tower of Terror,” which ended up being her all-time favorite.

The family even had time to make a trip to Los Angeles to visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame! They took hundreds of pictures and got two very special souvenirs for Ryann to add to her collection of Build-A-Bears back home: a bear with a Hollywood t-shirt on it and another from Disney that is wearing a Minnie Mouse t-shirt. According to June, Ryann has amassed a nice-sized collection of bears over the years, but these two will remain very special to her daughter.

“We’re really, really grateful,” said June of her daughter’s wish trip. “I simply can’t express how wonderful it was for all of us. I just don’t have the words.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Ryann’s wish extra special: Michelle Bell, PHR, CEO of 1st Choice Staffing , Disneyland Compassion Program, Fullerton Marriott, Universal Studios Hollywood and The Cheesecake Factory.

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. 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 www.kidswishnetwork.org.

AMARILLO, Texas – A little boy with a life-threatening illness enjoys a whole day of shopping with a little help from Kids Wish Network.

Four months after his birth, JaQualin was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, which is an inherited blood disorder. Those suffering with this disease experience severe episodes of pain and eventual organ damage; they are also at high risk for stroke and cardiac arrest His bones are weak and there is the possibility that he may go blind. He also suffers frequent pain crises and is on a daily medication regimen help him manage his pain and boost his immune system.

One day, 6-year-old JaQualin’s mother LeKelia got a call from a professional fundraiser for Kids Wish Network. The caller asked if LeKelia knew of any child with a life-threatening illness who might benefit from having a wish granted; LeKelia told the caller about her little boy.

It wasn’t long after that initial call that JaQualin was telling Wish Coordinator Jill all about wanting to enjoy a day of shopping all to himself. With his wish in her mind, Jill set out to make JaQualin’s dream come true.

In addition to getting a $1000 shopping spree to Wal-Mart for the happy 6-year-old, Jill also arranged to have a limo from Big Texan Limo take JaQualin to and from the store, just like the star he is.

“It was wonderful!” said LeKelia, JaQualin’s mother. “JaQualin really had fun riding in the limo and they even had cupcakes and juice out for him at Wal-Mart…He had a good time.”

While shopping with his gift card, JaQualin ended up getting an Xbox 360 and games, movies and clothes; he even grabbed an extra controller for his new game system so that he could play the Xbox games with his older brother.

“If it wasn’t for everyone’s help, my son’s wish wouldn’t have been granted. Thank you,” said LeKelia.

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make JaQualin’s wish extra special: Wal-Mart Store #5216 and Big Texan Limo.

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. 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 www.kidswishnetwork.org

Well, the big day is very close now and I am super excited!! It is the 67th year of the CSX Santa Train and I get to go on it! How lucky am I??? This train ride has become a very memorable tradition for the many families living in the Appalachian Mountains. It’s an early Christmas for them or, in a lot of cases, their ONLY Christmas. The train runs from Kentucky down through West Virginia and into Tennessee. It is packed with 15 tons of goodies, toys and gifts. Kids Wish Network packed and sent 11 pallets of toys, games, plush etc. to CSX and we are so happy to be involved in such a caring cause and wonderful project. We get to reach out to a lot of children and that is, after all, what we do best!!!

The actual train ride will be on Saturday, but my fun starts tomorrow with a 7a.m. flight from Tampa to Tennessee. There, I will meet up with the CSX people and from then on it’s a pretty hectic schedule. I’ve been told we will be sorting toys and packing 5,000 goodie bags on Wednesday night in preparation for the train ride. This is a huge volunteer event and it will be held outside the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce from 5-9 p.m.

I have never been to this part of the country before, which makes it even more fun. In fact, I’m actually looking forward to some nice cold weather and I mean real cold weather, my Florida friends. Not 60º. LOL

I’ll keep you posted so stay tuned…

Ashley
Distribution Department

This past week I had the opportunity to see what we do here – first hand.

My son had to be hospitalized after a minor operation and he wasn’t the most in the best of moods. Usually a very active boy, he was confined to a hospital floor and anywhere he went, his IV pole went with him.

Shortly after his arrival on the pediatric floor, a child life specialist came by to see if she could offer some assistance in cheering him up. He showed minimal interest in the movies and coloring books she offered. Then she said those 4 magic words – “We have a playroom.” It brought a small smile to his face.

Shortly after, we ventured down to the playroom and lo and behold, I saw a sign that proclaimed it to be sponsored by Kids Wish Network!! I smiled and looked down at my son. He wasn’t paying me any mind and had zeroed in on the cars on the other side of the room!

For the next 30 minutes, he pushed cars around the room and I pushed his IV pole behind him. He quickly wore himself out and we soon returned to his room. While in his bed, his mood became somber and he showed little interest in anything else. After a brief nap, we returned to the playroom and his spirits immediately lifted.

It’s great to know that the hundreds of gift banks we send out to hospitals yearly help bring small smiles to the faces of these kids who are stuck in an unfamiliar situation. It is always great to hear feedback from the hospitals but nothing compares to seeing the magic firsthand!

Margo
HOTM Facility Coordinator

I have an ache in my heart today. Not because I have experienced something sad personally, but because I know that there are hearts out there that are hurting.

The other day I called a family that I received a wish referral for. They have a 3-year-old son who has a cancerous tumor on his brain stem. Because of the tumor’s location, each and every doctor who has seen the little boy has declined to do surgery on him. He was given two months to live – five months ago. As of right now, he is not doing so good. His parents said they are putting their faith in God and praying for a miracle.

Yesterday I received a call from a grandmother of a 7-year-old girl whose parents beat and abused the little girl to the point of death. She was taken to the hospital, where she was brought back to life by the doctors not once, but three times. The grandmother is a widow and lives on a fixed income. She called to ask me if I knew of any place that could help with Christmas gifts for her granddaughter. Her goal was to get three presents for her to have on Christmas morning. She said that she thought God let the little girl live for a bigger cause. Like the first family I mentioned, this grandmother said she is relying on her faith to provide for her granddaughter and to do something special in her life.

I may not be cultured in the things of this world. To tell the truth, I have only ever visited a few states other than the one I was born in. I barely squeaked by some of the classes I took in college. I may not ever become rich or famous, but I do know one thing: miracles happen everyday. Sometimes in the most unexpected places, something unexplainable happens. No scientist, physicist, or brain surgeon could possibly give a logical reason for why things sometimes happen the way they do.

Never in my life have I experienced anything like what these families go through on a daily basis. But I have witnessed miracles in my own life on much smaller levels. And I know that there are families out there who have looked death in the face and expected the worst only to turn around and see a light at the end of the tunnel. In your darkest hour, don’t give up. Miracles do happen. Why wouldn’t they happen to you?

Elizabeth
Wish Department