It’s so exciting to turn on my computer and find out that an article about one of our wish kids has been published in their local newspaper.

I came in this morning to find an article about Dasha was published and that a reporter working on another story left me an email stating that the article should run this Thursday.

Sometimes it gets frustrating waiting for an article to get published about one of our wish kids, especially when a reporter tells you it will run and you keep checking back and it never appears! But when it FINALLY does, it is a nice reward to see that your hard work pays off. Our wish kids are special and we like for their stories to get out there.

I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I do!

Elizabeth
Wish Department

A few weeks ago a very special young lady from California named Brittany went to New York City. Brittany was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last December and after 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 17 radiation treatments she deserved an extraordinary wish.

Our sponsors in NYC are wonderful and helped us put together an awesome dream vacation for Brittany and her family. It all started with a U.S. Limousine Service stretch limo pick up at the airport. The family were treated like stars and taken to Doubletree Guest Suites in Times Square where they spent the next four days. Benihana Restaurant hosted the family’s dinner the first night and even had a special Chef just for them.

Day two was designed just for Brittany. 1st on the agenda was a pampering beauty treatment at Metamorphosis Day Spa. Next on the schedule Brittany and her entourage were treated to lunch at snAKS at Saks Fifth Avenue. After lunch Brittany was treated to a haircut and manicure and pedicure. Then it was off to Bloomingdale’s for a special make-up session. That night Disney Theatrical Productions arranged for the whole family to see “Mary Poppins”.

The rest of the days were spent at Top of Rock observation deck as well as lots of sightseeing and eating at some amazing restaurants such as Au Bon Pain, Carmine’s and Azalea Ristorante. The finale of the trip was a full moon dinner cruise aboard Spirit Cruises.

In Brittany’s own words: “My favorite part would definitely have to be the location of our hotel and our first dinner the night we flew in. It was an amazing experience to be staying right in the heart of Times Square and the moment you stepped out of the hotel door to just be right in all the excitement of NYC. The night we got there we went to Benihana’s to eat and actually ended up having a chef, Alejandro, flown in special from Virginia to cook for us. The Day of Pampering was AMAZING. I got a facial, massage, hair and nails done! It was my first haircut since my hair started growing back! So, my first haircut in almost 9 months. My favorite part was definitely the massage. I love massages.”

Jill
Wish Coordinator

Today is all about Philly!!! I’m reaching out to several businesses in the greater Philadelphia area to help make our Holiday of Hope party super special. We are heading north in December (bbrrrr…) to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Philadelphia to host a party for a special group of kids. A very LARGE special group of kids. We are expecting more than 250 kids!! I am so excited!! So far we have some really great entertainment lined up. Home Depot is hosting their infamous arts and crafts table and the Philadelphia Football Cheerleaders will make an appearance too! Today I am focusing on the clowns, face painters and balloon artists. Left a couple of messages, but so far no bites. Keep your fingers crossed. We want to make this the best Holiday of Hope party ever…at least until next time!

Margo
HOTM Facility Coordinator

I like my desk at Kids Wish Network. I sit right next to the wish coordinators, so I get to hear all the “good stuff.” I always like to hear about what the kids ask for, or what cute things they have to say. I don’t know if I could ever do the job – be a wish coordinator that is – because I think I would get too attached to the kids. But I like getting up close to the wish and hearing all about it. It always makes my day a little brighter!

Elizabeth
Wish Deptartment

McKenna had a fabulous time at Disney World this past week. Her mother said, “Her eyes LIT UP every time she saw a character!”

McKenna and her family enjoyed the accommodations, theme parks and many restaurants which sponsored her wish. Everyone treated McKenna like a princess. I would like to thank everyone for making McKenna’s DREAM COME TRUE!

As soon as McKenna arrived home she started a “change bottle” so she can go back in the near future!

Vanessa
Wish Department

Once a month, my colleague and I dedicate a portion of our day to bundling up gift packages which are then shipped to our participating HERO OF THE MONTH facilities. Today was one of “those days” and we managed to keep very busy thanks to the many facilities that sent in their HERO nominations this month. For us, it’s worth all the folding, stuffing, sorting and taping (and paper cuts!) because it means that ONE HUNDRED children will receive their t-shirt, certificate, medal and gift card within the next 24-48 hours. Happy Shopping to all our little HEROES – it’s been our honor to award you with this well-deserved token!

~Susan
HOTM Facility Coordinator

I have been working on getting a few things done for our big Holiday of Hope event that will be at Shriner’s Philadelphia in December. It is a HUGE holiday party for children and it’s going to be a blast for these deserving kids.

I have helped to get a photographer for the event, and I am working on getting someone to record the festivities. I am also in charge of the press, which is both exciting and stressful. It’s important to get plenty of coverage to show what Kids Wish Network is all about and to show how deserving these kids are. I will also be helping out with sponsor flyers and banners.

I hope that all my co-workers who go to the party have a great time and put big smiles on the faces of the children who need a special day!

Elizabeth

It sure is nice to be appreciated. Here is a letter I received.

“Dear Jill,

In your debt,
Diane”

Jill
Wish Department

Today I received an email from one of our facilities regarding our Hero of the Month program:

“While we haven’t been able to send any photos of kids we have made Heroes of the Month because of their situation, I just want to say that we have been able to make several children’s lives brighter with the gifts you have provided. One little boy was so thrilled with his medal. He couldn’t wait to share it at school because he had never gotten a medal before. Another young girl in foster care was going to be able to get the sports equipment she needed. She had literally nothing when she went into care. She was so happy and couldn’t believe someone would do such a thing for her.”

Thank you so much for making that possible for these young children.

While we LOVE to see pictures of all the children who receive wishes and Hero awards, we understand they are not always able to send them. But to know that we are helping to make things a little easier is all the thanks we need!

-Margo
HOTM Facility Coordinator

Part of my job is calling families who have a child that has been referred for a wish. Anyone can refer a child: mom, dad, friend, or neighbor. The easiest calls to make are those when the mom or dad refers the child, because they are usually expecting a call from Kids Wish Network. But those aren’t my favorite calls to make.

The best calls are when a friend or family member refers a child and doesn’t tell the parents. When I follow up on the referral, it is always nice to hear how pleasantly surprised the parents are. Some are even brought to tears at the thought of their sick child getting their own wish granted. Some are caught so off guard that they have to ask two or three times who I am, why I am calling, or who referred them, but once I explain to them what the call is about, and that their close friend referred their child for a wish, they are very receptive to me and the call.

So keep your ears open for the telephone to ring. It may just be me calling to talk to you about granting your child’s wish!

~Elizabeth

I just received the most precious photo of one of my little wish kids, named Jessica. Jessica was diagnosed at birth with DiGeorge Syndrome. DiGeorge is a genetic disorder that includes certain heart defects, effects on facial appearance, and seizure disorders. Jessica is ventilator dependent and had to have a tracheotomy during a surgery. She is not able to speak very much and uses a communication device.

Jessica was recently awarded her own service dog, named Riley. Her condition has greatly improved due to the love that Riley has shown her and the help he has given her in her day to day activities.

Jessica will in fact be taking Riley with her on her wish to Disney’s Magic Kingdom! Have fun, Jessica and Riley!

Jill
Wish Coordinator

This is just a short e-mail that I wanted to share from a wish family – post wish:

Vanessa –

Good afternoon!!

Can I tell you how excited McKenna is getting for her trip?? Oh my gosh!!! We have been talking about it every night – what rides she wants to ride, which ones are maybes and which ones are no way!!

I showed her the itinerary and she said “OH my gosh!! We are going to be sooo busy!” with the cutest look on her face!!

Thank you so much for everything!!!

Connie

Vanessa
Wish Department

Christopher recently returned from his Alaskan Cruise where was thrilled to be up close and personal to the wildlife. Though it was cold in the icy waters, it didn’t stop Christopher and his family from enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Christopher and his family were so thrilled to see polar bears, moose, bald eagles, black bears, sea lions, seals and all sorts of native Alaskan wildlife that you couldn’t see just walking out your back door (especially if you’re from Missouri, like Christopher). I’m glad you had a fabulous time, Christopher!!!!

Vanessa
Wish Department

Nothing makes me smile more than a kind heart, a big grin and a great tie!

Yesterday Annie, a Wish Child of Kids Wish Network, received her wish for a Mac Notebook- thanks to Mayor Pradel of Naperville, IL and some other amazing sponsors. Annie, who has been battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, couldn’t contain her smiles during the presentation.

Enjoy your Notebook, Annie!

I hope that it helps you to reach your artistic potential!

Jennifer
Wish Department