Barbara
Director of Distribution

Dasha is 14-years-old and suffers from Systemic Lupus Erythematosis. This illness affects her joints – similar to arthritis – and causes severe swelling. Many times, it is difficult for her to walk, as the illness affects her entire body. Last January, Dasha had bone marrow surgery and she also must stay out of the sun or stay covered while outside.

One day while watching the news, Dasha’s mom, Dorothy, saw a story about a child who had a wish granted by Kids Wish Network. Dorothy decided to refer her daughter for a wish. It didn’t take long before the family was talking to wish coordinator Vanessa and making arrangements for Dasha’s wish.

“She was very excited. She was telling everybody that she was going to Disney World,” Dorothy said. “She always liked rides and stuff and that is probably why she chose this for her wish.”

With the help of wish funding specialist Megan, Vanessa arranged for theme park tickets for Dasha and her family, spending money, a hotel stay, various dinners and a trip to a hands-on museum. Dorothy said that the hotel stay and the dinners were great.

“Everything was really nice and the food at Ponderosa was great,” she said.

While in Florida, the family visited The Magic Kingdom, Sea World and Busch Gardens. Dorothy said that experience at The Magic Kingdom was the best for Dasha.

“For Dasha, her favorite was The Magic Kingdom. She loved the parades and Cinderella,” she said.

Dorothy said the family had a great time and that Dasha’s wish definitely came true.

“Just seeing that Dasha was happy was the best part for me,” she said. “It was really good and I thank Kids Wish Network for doing that for her.”
Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Dasha’s wish extra special: Cambridge Firefighters Local 910, The Royal Plaza Hotel, Pirates Dinner Theater, Ponderosa Steak House, The Cheesecake Factory, Wonderworks, Hampton Inn and Suites

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.

Last week Elena’s wish came true! She and her family were flown to Los Angeles, where they were greeted at the airport by a chauffeur in a stretch limousine and taken to the luxury SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills to begin a three day Hollywood adventure that included being able to attend a live “American Idol” show as members of the audience.  Elena brought a present for Paula and was even able to give it to her and to tell Paula how much she loved her.  Paula responded with a big hug and kiss for Elena and the rest of her family!  After the show was over Elena and her family were escorted up to a room where all the contestants were waiting to meet her.  She and her family were able to converse with all of them and ask lots of questions.  Afterward they all autographed shirts and photos for Elena as well as taking lots of photos with her.  I’m sure this is an experience that Elena will never forget!