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

Veterans Day is a day to remember all who have fought to keep our country safe and free. For me, this is a very special day because my mother and father-in-law are Vets and I have several family members in the military currently serving overseas.

In trying to fulfill our kid’s wishes, I have the pleasure of calling civic organizations like the VFW and the American Legions. They are dedicated to helping our Veterans but they also help where needed in their hometowns. A member of the VFW recently told me they rarely turn down a person or group in need.

I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who has served or is currently serving in the military. Not just because you protect our country, but because you have answered our call for help in funding many of our children’s wishes! Enjoy your day tomorrow, Veterans! You really do deserve it!

Megan
Development Department

The Distribution Department has had an incredibly super busy week but it has all been worth it. We were able to assist four local charities that desperately needed our help and now these well deserving children will have a very happy holiday! It brings us so much joy to watch as these gift banks are packed with lots of love and picked up by charities that are helping children with grateful hearts. As you can imagine, these toys will not only allow children to experience a great holiday but will also bring a huge relief to parents as well. We are not done yet! We still have gift banks in the warehouse to be picked up next week. It is so heartwarming for us to be able to carry out our mission right in our own back yard!

Barbara
Director of Distribution

This Friday is National Boss Day and I am honored to have Shelley Breiner, founder of Kids Wish Network, for my boss. Kids Wish Network is ALL about the kids and making their dreams come true. Kids Wish Network’s website is filled with stories of granting wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses. Shelley is the one that started Kids Wish Network so that these children would not be forgotten. I say, “Three cheers for Shelley!” The best boss I could imagine.

D.
Director of First Impressions

Sometimes my job at Kids Wish Network is tough and it can also be heartbreaking. Everyday we face the fact that our wish kids are suffering from life-threatening illnesses, and it’s only natural that it can take an emotional toll on all of us.

However, there are little things Kids Wish Network does to lift its employees spirits when they’re a little low. In our department we do little things and it’s kind of a rule: we dance and shake our “groove things” when we get really good news from a sponsor – we celebrate every donation and this helps keep our spirits high so we can do the best job possible for our wish kids! After all, every donation puts us one step closer to fulfilling a child’s wish!

And, the “Development Divas” also praise each other through the roof and that puts a bit of joy in our hearts. Another thing is our great Morale Committee (it’s actually just Kathleen) brings us delicious treats every Friday and that really helps boost our morale after a rough week. And Kathleen, I mean our Morale Committee, also plans special lunches where everyone makes their favorite recipes to share!

But, it’s not just treats and dances and shaking our groove things that bring us up when we’re feeling down – we also love reading stories about our wish kids and seeing their photos with huge smiles on their faces and those are the best “pick-me-ups” to get us through the tough times!

Megan
“Development Diva”

What exciting surprises came our way in the Distribution Department last week! Our faithful and consistent donors at King Features Syndicate sent us a whole bunch of merchandise that we were not expecting: 15 boxes filled to the brim with an assortment of Betty Boop merchandise including pajamas, t-shirts, slippers, purses, pillows, and plush to mention just a few! The great part about their donation is that there is something to enjoy for all ages. Don’t we all love Betty Boop? We will be including “Betty Boop” in all of our gift bank packing over the next few weeks. We are so grateful to King Feature Syndicate for their generosity and commitment to Kids Wish Network.

Barbara
Distribution Director

Spreckles, Calif – A teenage girl had the wish of a lifetime granted with the help of national charity Kids Wish Network.

On Thanksgiving Day 2008, Brittany felt a lump on her neck. After a prescription antibiotic did not reduce its size, a test was conducted which diagnosed Brittany with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. After 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 17 radiation treatments, Brittany is currently in remission. Still, she has to receive a chest x-ray every two months to ensure the cancer does not return.

While receiving treatment, Brittany’s social worker told the family about Kids Wish Network. After filling out an application, Brittany was soon talking to wish coordinator Jill who was making plans for her wish.

With the help of wish funding specialist Doris, Jill got to work to make Brittany’s wish of a trip to New York City come true.

“It was wonderful. Brittany felt so special and everyone went out of their way. Jill did a good job planning everything for us,” said Lisa, Brittany’s mom.

Together Jill and Doris arranged for Brittany and her family to travel to the Big Apple. A round-trip flight, limo transportation, hotel stays, various dining arrangements, a few sight-seeing tours and spending money was made available for Brittany. Jill even set up a special pampering day for Brittany which included a two hour spa treatment at Metamorphosis Day Spa, a manicure and pedicure at Saks 5th Avenue, a makeover at Bloomingdale’s, tickets to the Mary Poppins musical as well as the Brighton Beach Memoirs play and even a three hour trip on the Spirit Dinner Cruise.

Brittany’s day of pampering even included a personal milestone for her.

“It was my first haircut since my hair started growing back,” she said. “So, my first haircut in almost 9 months.”

Lisa said her family enjoyed all the activities that were included in the wish, including first class limo rides.

“The limo service was fun. Here you are going into time square and you pull up in a limo amongst all the cabs which was a neat experience,” she said.

For Brittany, she said the best part of the trip was her first night in the city.

“My favorite part would definitely have to be the location of our hotel. 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,” she said.

Lisa said that one thing that really stood out to her during the whole process for her daughter was the fact that Brittany getting her wish was like a vacation from her illness.

“It was just a wonderful experience and it’s amazing for the kids out there that this is available for them,” she said. “For Brittany it was neat because you kind of go through a lot and then it was something to get away to.”

“It is hard to put into words what my wish was like. I had the time of my life. It was a big celebration and an experience I know I’ll never forget,” Brittany said.

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Brittany’s wish extra special: Saks Fifth Avenue, Courtyard Oakland Airport, Bloomingdale’s, Doubletree Guest Suites-Times Square, Benihana, Au Bon Pain, Metamorphosis Day Spa, Nederlander Producing Company of America, Inc., Disney Theatrical Productions, LTD, The Alicart Restaurant Group, U.S. Limousine Service, Ltd., Azalea Ristorante, Spirit Cruises, American Legion Post 591, American Legion Post 593, Hollister Elks Lodge #1436, Zonta Club of Monterey, Cypress Community Church, First Baptist Church of Salinas, Geoffrey Holland, Mann Packing Company, VFW Post 6849-Spreckels CA

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.

I am always amazed at just how many wonderful donors we have at Kids Wish Network. They’re always willing to help! It’s no secret that many people are struggling financially, but I’ve spoken with people who are calling to apologize that they are only able to give $5.00 or $10.00 and I always tell them that it’s ok and their contribution counts and they’re helping to make a difference for our wish kids. And it’s so true; with out their support we wouldn’t be able to help so many kids.

So, I just wanted to say thank you to anyone who has supported Kids Wish Network and has continued to do so. I would also like to say a special thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors. And, if you are one of those people who called to apologize, just know that you truly make a difference and you really are appreciated!

Melissa
Development & Donor Relations

WINONA, Minnesota – A little boy with a life-threatening illness had the wish of his life with Kids Wish Network.

Seven-year-old Zane was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the tender age of one. Since then, he’s been completely dependent on other people and devices. Zane is confined to a wheelchair most of the day and must use an alphabet board and a communication device for talking.

While surfing the internet for organizations designed to help children with illnesses, Zane’s mother Amy found the homepage for Kids Wish Network. Once in contact with the organization, it wasn’t long before Amy found herself talking to Wish Coordinator Jill, who soon found out Zane’s only wish: to visit Disney World in Florida.

With the help of Wish Funding Specialist Doris and some outstanding sponsors, Jill arranged to send Zane, his parents and his baby brother on the trip of their lives to the Sunshine State. In addition to supplying them with tickets to every major theme park that Zane could ever want to visit, Jill also organized dinners every night for the family and even secured them a room at the famous Royal Plaza Hotel!

“Oh, it was awesome. He [Zane] was really overwhelmed and speechless. We were all just in awe,” said Amy of the trip as a whole.

Once in Orlando, Zane was happy to be spun silly on Disney’s “Mad Tea Party” ride at the Magic Kingdom, while at Sea World he delighted in the whale and dolphin shows. At the Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, Zane was “just tickled pink” to find that visiting “Seuss Landing” was just like stepping into one of his favorite Dr. Seuss stories. “He loved all of it,” said Amy.

When Zane made it home to Winona, everyone thought that a day of rest would be good for him before heading back to school. Zane, however, wanted to get to school as soon as possible so that he could let EVERYONE know all about his trip!

“We have tons of new memories,” said Amy. “He just wanted to tell everyone all about it!”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Zane’s wish extra special: Compassion Partners, WonderWorks, Pirates Dinner Adventure, The Royal Plaza Hotel, Thrifty/Dollar Rent A Car, The Sizzler, Uno Chicago Grill, American Legion Auxiliary Post 9, Jerry and Sue Miller, Merchants Bank, Quinlan Insurance & Financial Services, St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Severson Oil Company, Ticona Polymers Inc. Winona MN, and the Winona Fire Department Relief Fund.

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<

Even though we work with children who have life-threatening illnesses on a daily basis, Kids Wish Network has an upbeat atmosphere and a team of individuals who love to laugh. Our team will find a bright side to every challenge. Can you imagine being able to positively impact the lives of hundreds of children and their families? Can you imagine the joy of seeing a child swim with dolphins when that child lives in a wheelchair? Can you imagine how it can warm your heart to see a precious little one dress up as a princess and ride in a horse-drawn carriage to her shopping spree destination? Can you imagine being able to provide a hot tub for a little boy with the most progressive form of muscular dystrophy? If you can imagine these things, then you will understand that Kids Wish Network is not only about wishes but also about balloons, rainbows, butterflies and fairy tales.

Donna
Development Department

Greetings Everyone,
I just wanted to take a moment and thank the Kids Wish Network team for their tireless efforts in helping the thousands of children we serve nationwide. Without their outstanding dedication we would not be able to achieve our goal of putting smiles on the faces of so many deserving children. Kids Wish Network ROCKS

Shelley Breiner

I recently had the privilege to work on fulfilling a wish for a youngster from Newnan, GA. His name is Eli and he was diagnosed, at the age of 2, with Fraser Syndrome. As if that weren’t enough he was also born without eyes. With his mother reading to him all the time, it was no wonder that his wish was to meet Jonathan London, the author of his favorite books. It turned out to be a heartwarming meeting for all and when I got to read about his meeting with Jonathan, it reminded me of exactly why I work at Kids Wish Network and how much we really do affect these children! It’s wonderful to be able to put smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts!

Doris
Development Department

Christina, a 15-year-old girl from Michigan, had always wanted to go parasailing since she was a little girl. National charity Kids Wish Network recently made her dream come true by sending her to Catalina Island where she parasailed with her family.

In March of 2008, Christina and her parents noticed that her smile appeared to be crooked. Upon visiting her doctor, Christina was immediately sent to the hospital for an MRI, and a golf ball-sized tumor was found between her brain and brain stem. She had surgery a few days later, which removed most of the tumor that had adhered to Christina’s Auditory Nerve. This resulted in hearing loss in her left ear, balance issues and permanent left side paralysis. Although the majority of the tumor was removed, there remains a strong likelihood that it will grow back; Christina receives an MRI every three months to ensure that no new growth has occurred.

Christina and her mother, Diane, were sitting at home just two days after her release from the hospital, when a professional fundraiser called from Kids Wish Network. When the fundraiser asked Diane if she knew of any children who were living with life threatening illnesses, she told Christina’s story.

“I think it was really divine intervention,” Diane said.

Kids Wish Network Wish Coordinator Jill contacted the family and got to work to find out what Christina’s number one wish would be. Christina decided that she wanted to go parasailing over the Pacific Ocean.

“I was trying to think of things I wouldn’t get the chance to do. Parasailing looked really fun and I always wanted to try it. I also wanted to see the Pacific Ocean,” Christina said.

With the help of wish funding specialist Megan, Jill worked to arrange the entire trip for Christina and her parents. A round-trip flight, limo ride, hotel stays, dinners, a ride on a high-speed catamaran, an eco-tour across Catalina Island, a Flying Fish boat ride, spa treatment and even a boogie boarding excursion were also included in Christina’s wish.

“It was so beyond our expectations. Everyone took such great care of us,” Diane said.

Christina said that her favorite part of the whole trip was the parasailing experience.

“It was so amazing. I felt like I was floating and I could see forever,” she said.

Diane said she was a little nervous about parasailing, but she got over it after a few minutes. For her, the best part was the Jeep Eco Tour that the family went on.

“It was so personal and not a lot of people could do it. The guide was an amazing man and had so much knowledge to share. We spent four hours on the tour and were 10 feet from a real live buffalo. We saw an endangered Island Fox, a Bald Eagle, a Golden Eagle and so much more. It was beautiful,” she said.

All-in-all, the family said that they had a wonderful time.

“Everything was absolutely perfect,” Diane said. “We had the most amazing time and we are so grateful for the experience.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Christina’s wish extra special: Catalina Island Conservancy, Flying Fish Boat Trip, Descanso Beach Club, Deanna Stone Bodyworks, Avalon Massage-Lavina Jones, Parasailing Catalina, Catalina-Marina Del Rey Flyer, Catalina Island Inn, Rits-Carlton Marina Del Rey, Steve’s Steakhouse, Landry’s Limousine, Armstrong’s Seafood Restaurant, Cheesecake Factory, Catalina Transportation Services Inc., Belle River Community Credit Union, Fraternal Order of Eagles #3702, Richmond Kiwanis Club, Richmond Moose Lodge #2575, New Image Dental, St. Augustine Church.

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