Bryson from Cincinnati, OH recently had a blast on his wish. On December 22nd Bryson was picked up by limo and headed out to his three favorite stores, Rockin Rooster, Meijer and Best Buy. He had the time of his life! If you would like to view Bryson on his spree, check out this link below!
http://www.fox19.com/Global/searchresults.asp?vendor=ez&qu=wish
Vanessa
Wish Coordinator
I hope that all of our Wish Kids, Wish Families, Hero Kids, Hero Facilities, Sponsors and Donors have the most happy of holidays. May your wishes come true and may your hearts be light this season.
All my best to you and yours,
Alicia
Editorial Department
Cody’s only wish was to meet his hero Bear Grylls from Discovery Channel’s Man vs. Wild. After contacting Discovery Channel, I was put in touch with the person who could arrange this meeting. We were told that Mr. Grylls would be in Los Angeles the first part of December. We arranged for Cody and his family to fly out to Hollywood and for Cody to be treated like the star he is.
Finally, the morning of the meeting arrived and Cody was anxious to meet Bear. We were escorted to a private room and pretty soon we heard Bear yelling down the hallway “Cody, where are you?” Cody was so excited he yelled back, “I’m in here!” Soon, Cody and Bear became great friends and spent about an hour chatting and getting to know each other. Bear brought Cody a special Man vs. Wild book and personally autographed it for him as they reminisced about pictures of the show in the book. Cody impressed Bear with his complete and detailed memory of each episode. Cody also brought a special “throwing star” that he made for Bear; this “star” is a tool that you use in the wilderness. Bear was very touched and asked Cody to autograph it for him. Cody also shared his story of survival with Bear by showing him a touching album of photos of his different surgeries and important milestones in his life. At the end of the meeting Cody gave his hero a big hug and promised to stay in touch. I think that in giving Cody his greatest wish, Bear was himself blessed beyond words.
Jill
Wish Department
This is my wish kid Kira telling Santa what she wants for Christmas! By the look on his face, I’d guess that she wanted a whole closet full of clothes and accessories for her little Lhasa Apso pup, Sammy!
I hope that all of you enjoy happy holidays this season. 
Jen
Wish Department
I’d just like to welcome Jill, our new internet researcher. She’s getting some really great information for our wish funding specialists and is well on her way to becoming a real “Development Diva”! We’re glad to have you, Jill! Welcome to the team!
Melissa
Development Department
The term “corporate greed” has been used in abundance this past year. It’s impossible to pick up a newspaper, magazine or scan a website without reading/hearing about selfish, swindling Executives whose gluttonous actions and decisions have resulted in the massive downward spiral of our economy.
ATTENTION all cynics, pessimists, skeptics and untrusting citizens out there (and yes, I was one of them before this weekend!)… THERE ARE LOTS of good, generous and big-hearted people in this world, and many of them reside and work in the Philadelphia area!
Our ‘assignments’ commenced about 2 months ago when the trifecta of Kids Wish Network, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Philadelphia, and JAKKS Pacific/CDI (who donated a mind-boggling $100,000 worth of toys) agreed to coordinate a HOLIDAY OF HOPE celebration the first weekend in December. With fingers crossed, my colleagues and I contacted various vendors, dialing, emailing and faxing potential sponsors in search of donations. Our wish list included: a DJ, face painter, clowns, balloon artists, food, drinks, decorations, games and anything else that would lend itself to a “party atmosphere” for these 250 deserving children (Shriners patients and their often neglected siblings). We divvied up the categories – my “partner in crime” was in charge of obtaining entertainment while I tackled food & beverages.
I’m not good at asking for things – money, items, rides… so this task was certainly a challenge! Unfortunately, there were a number of companies who never returned my calls and emails despite my persistent ways. Others politely declined; their charitable dollars had been depleted for the year, their funds were allocated to other philanthropic causes, and/or their company had taken a financial hit. I learned quickly not to take these ‘rejections’ personally, and moved on to the next phone call.
The HOLIDAY OF HOPE celebration took place this past Saturday (December 5th – a date that will remain with me for a long time) on a gray, wintry afternoon at 3551 North Broad Street.
The first sponsor to walk in the door was APPLEBEE’S (2501 Aramingo Avenue). Lester Franklin and his hospitable team arrived pre-event to prep/cook 120 lunches for our volunteers who generously relinquished part of their weekend to assist us and “spread the joy”. Speaking of volunteers, they all donned HOLIDAY OF HOPE t-shirts (reflecting the names of ALL our wonderful sponsors) thanks to J.P. TEE’S, INC.
As the event approached, more and more vendors arrived, bundled up from the snow that had just started falling. It was a family affair for PEACE A PIZZA (1652 Chestnut Street) as Ron Baban and his daughter marched in with 15 piping hot pies, and CHICK-FIL-A reinforced their infamous “Eat Mor Chikin” slogan by serving 1,200 chicken nuggets.
And since this is (was!) Philadelphia, a party just wouldn’t be a party without… cheesesteaks! Many thanks to both DALESSANDRO’S STEAKS AND HOAGIES (600 Wendover Street) and JAKE’S PHILADELPHIA CHEESESTEAKS (16th Street & Chestnut Street) for delivering mouth-watering sandwiches Philly-style! Also joining in the celebration was TAYLOR’S BAR AND GRILL (Cherry Hill, NJ) who donated French fries for the families to enjoy.
I first read about Kate Carrara a/k/a BUTTERCREAM CUPCAKE LADY, on www.philly.com, and was fascinated by this career changer’s story – a former attorney who now sells homemade treats from a truck that makes stops throughout Center City. Kate was one of the first sponsors to confirm her attendance without hesitation. We had presented the idea of a Make-Your-Own-Cupcake Station – and Kate not only delivered the concept, but the cupcakes!!! ..And while we’re on the subject of cakes, let’s not forget the amazing “Aces of Cakes”-like sheet cake donated by THE RESTAURANT SCHOOL AT WALNUT HILL COLLEGE. The chefs and students outdid themselves this year (they also donated in 2006) and we can’t thank them enough!
And to top of the onslaught off sugar-y snacks, TASTYKAKE also joined us again this year, donating over 300 scrumptious mini chocolate cakes for the children. Let’s just say that Marie-Antoinette would have been proud!
And finally, special thanks to the Mom & Daughter team (Sharon & KaLitha) at SHARON’S BALLOONS, who created a magnificent, eye-catching balloon arch that rose high above the room for all to see. CIRCUS TIME AMUSEMENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT (Pennsauken, NJ) donated several carnival-style games which the children loved!
As cliché as it sounds, these participating sponsors truly went ‘above and beyond’ and we could not have executed this very special event without their products, resources and smiling employees, a validation that the holiday spirit is overflowing in the City of Brotherly Love!
~Susan
HOTM Facility Coordinator
There is such a variety when it comes to what these children want for their wishes. There’s a girl who wants a zebra striped room with red accents, a boy who got a log cabin playhouse, the little girl who wanted only to buy things for her Lhasa Apso, the boy who wanted to go back in time to see dinosaurs (he went to the Smithsonian), the girl who wants to hunt ghosts, the boy who wants to visit Yellowstone…the list goes on. I just love hearing what these kids want. It makes me feel a little like one of Santa’s elves, listening in to what the kids are telling Santa. It’s a magical feeling.
Alicia
Editorial Department
Our Holiday of Hope party at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Philadelphia was awesome! When everyone got in Monday morning, they all had wonderful things to say about the event.
I am excited that I got to be a part of the party. Although I didn’t get to attend, I was definitely there in spirit! I helped acquire a few donations for the event and also helped out with some table tents that were displayed on the tables. I thought about all the ladies that went and wondered how they were doing and how it was going. I have to say that I am a little jealous because while the team from Kids Wish Network was up in Philly, it snowed! I bet it was beautiful!
I am so happy that the party was a success and that all the kids enjoyed their time. There was so much work and planning that went in to this event, and in the end, if the kids are happy, it is all worth it!
Elizabeth
Wish Department
I just wanted to wish everyone a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving! 
Vanessa
Wish Department
Living here in Florida you get a little used to the “sunny” weather. Lately, though it’s nearing the middle of November, the weather has maintained that “summery” feel. This distresses me to no end because, though I’m not a fan of cold weather, I would like to feel some crisp fall breezes to at least remind me that “The Season” is nearing.
While these thoughts are swimming (in trunks and sunglasses, no less) in distinctly warm pools at the back of my mind, I am talking to Wish Families who have come down from chilly places like Michigan to enjoy all the theme parks to be had in this state for their kids’ wishes. In our talks, they are constantly telling me how much they LOVE the weather here and how wonderful it was to wear shorts in November. A few families will even mention that they wish they could have brought the “nice Florida weather” back with them to their home states. I wish they had, too. I am very glad that the weather was a great break for them to enjoy their wish trips, but I can still wish for some semblance of fall weather before it freezes, can’t I?
Alicia
Editorial Department
Things are starting to get a little hectic around here. Our big Holiday of Hope party with Jakks Pacific and CDI is less than one month away. I can see a lot of people scrambling around trying to secure last minute details. I know that everyone is working hard to make this party something special for these kids at Shriners in Philadelphia.
I feel good that I was able to contribute something to the event. I was able to get photography and videography donated for the event. I am also in charge of pre and post press for the party. The donors for this event have been wonderful. We have secured so many wonderful things for the kids, and we hope that they have an awesome time.
The party is December 5. Stick around and check back for details and hopefully some great pictures after the event!
Elizabeth
Wish Department
Mobile, Ala. – A young teen with a life threatening illness had his wish for a laptop computer granted by national children’s charity Kids Wish Network.
Clifton, a 15-year-old from Mobile, was diagnosed with various illnesses at the age of three. He suffers from Bilateral Acetubular Dysplasia, – an illness which resulted in two hip replacements – cerebral palsy and a disease called PANDAS, which is a pediatric autoimmune disorder which causes mental issues and delay. Clifton also suffers from severe asthma. He gets weekly blood transfusions and takes daily breathing treatments to help control some of his illnesses.
Clifton’s mother, Patricia, said that times are tough for her and her family. She said Clifton battled medical issues since the age of three and she was not able to provide all the things he wanted.
“He has been really sick off and on since he was three. I couldn’t afford certain things and I mentioned this to his social worker and was told that his medical condition would possibly qualify him to have a wish granted,” Patricia said.
After the application process, Patricia was speaking to wish coordinator Vanessa, making plans to see her son’s wish come true.
Vanessa confirmed that Clifton’s one wish was for a laptop. She also had plans to make his wish extra special and provide him with a printer and computer games including NFL CD card games that can be played on the computer. She also sent him a gift box full of puzzles, board games and toys.
“I wanted to do a little extra and let Clifton know that he deserves to feel special,” Vanessa said.
Patricia said that Clifton probably chose a laptop for his wish because he used a computer in the past.
“When he was in school he was working with a computer and his uncle has a computer and he wanted one of his own,” Patricia said.
When Clifton saw his brand new laptop, printer and box full of toys, it was hard for him to contain his excitement, his mom said.
“He was very happy. He just jumped up and down with excitement,” said Patricia. “He told me, ‘Momma, we’re rich now.’”
Patricia said that she thinks that Kids Wish Network “is a wonderful service” and that she was pleased to see her son’s wish come true.
“Just seeing the excitement on his face and knowing that someone loves him has been the best part for me,” 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. 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
We recently sent a little girl named Megan to Disney World and her mother sent this kind letter of appreciation:
I just wanted to post to you some recent pictures on our wonderful wish experience. We had taken over 400 pictures. It seems like we went crazy but our memories of this special time will last a lifetime. Thank you and your organization for giving families like mine who are under hospital stays, bills, and worrying over how much time our child has; where we actually are so occupied having fun that we got to enjoy a week with our family.
Thank you Jill for being a great wish coordinator. Thank you for doing all that you do everyday to help all families in need.
With love,
The Eatmons
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
It sure is nice to be appreciated. Here is a letter I received.
“Dear Jill,
I can’t say enough about the trip! We had such an amazing time; it is very hard to put it into words. You couldn’t have done better. Everything was just so fantastic, so much more than we ever though, and I don’t think any of us will ever forget it. Oh, and the spa treatments were fantastic, too! We felt very pampered and special.
The other highlight was the interior trip. I know you were trying to keep us from being “overdone” with limiting the trip to just two hours, but Don was so full of information and so excited to be taking us out, that we ended up on a four-hour trip and still could have gone for another four easily. Keep this in mind should you ever send another “wishee” to Catalina, it is bigger than it looks! We learned so much from him and had SUCH A GOOD TIME that when we got back to our starting point, it felt like we were leaving family. He is the most amazing man we have ever met. I cannot say enough about how well he treated us and the care he took to make Christina comfortable was very touching. He even took us somewhere he had never been before! We will remember him as a very good friend and will miss being able to see him again. Please send him a copy of the newspaper articles if you can, I think he would like to read them.
And the parasailing! Wow, what an experience. My husband and I were able to go up together, good thing since I was very nervous, but it was nothing like I expected it to be. I was very happy that I took the plunge, so to speak, and got up in the air. Christina went up alone, and the look of pure joy on her face will stay with me forever. She said it was everything she wanted it to be and more. I wish you could have seen her.
So, thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts. Words will not convey our gratitude for the gift your organization was able to give us and to our daughter. We made memories and we made friends, and it is all thanks to you. Our lives will never be the same again, but this time, in a good way. It feels good.
Thank you.
In your debt,
Diane”
Jill
Wish Department
