While working on fulfilling a wish for Michael in South Carolina, I had the pleasure to work with Jessica from the Pee Dee Federal Credit Union. She was GREAT – and everyone in her town must be proud to know such a caring woman! She went above and beyond for Michael’s wish; she set a date and put together all the preparations for a bowling event to help fund Michael’s wish. When I saw the pictures from the bowling night it made me smile! Everyone there looked so happy and I know they were all having a great time. Jessica, I want to thank you again, not only for your help but for just being such a sweet person to talk to.

Doris
Development Department

I can’t believe it’s already October! This year has just flown by so quickly that I don’t know where the time went.

I am excited to see that October has finally arrived because lots of our children will have their wishes fulfilled this month! It’s such a rewarding -and exciting- time to see all of our hard work come together!

Angela
Development Department

Many of the wishes Kids Wish Network grants are wishes to go to Disney World. I recently returned from a trip to Disney World, and I had a wonderful time. Walking into Disney, I instantly felt like a little kid again. I can imagine now what a great time our wish kids and their families must have, getting to visit this magical place!

Melissa
Development & Donor Relations

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

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.

Today I received a survey from one of our facilities regarding the pallet of toys we sent to them. After rating the program a “5” (out of 5), this is what the facility had to say:

“The other day a little girl (age 4) who had been in for a full abuse assessment, including a comprehensive medical exam, told her mom, or rather insisted that her mom take her to “the doctor”. Her mom was confused until the little girl described the building. The mom called to ask if it was OK, which of course it was, and the little girl came and played in the kids’ waiting room. Your generous gift of toys makes it possible for us to offer not only a safe, welcoming environment, but a place kids want to be. Thank you!”

It’s responses like these that makes the long days worth while! Good job KWN!!

Margo
HOTM Facility Coordinator

I love when people ask me how much of their donation goes towards the wishes; it’s the question I enjoy answering the most!!

I always tell people that KWN’s Guardian Angel Fund is one of the things that sets Kids Wish apart from other charities — and it’s wonderful to be able to say, with confidence that 100% of the donation from our sponsors goes towards fulfilling a wish for a very special child. That means if you send in $223.65 then $223.65 goes into the Guardian Angel Fund to fulfill children’s wishes. Oh yea, I love their reactions when I say that. It’s usually like, “WOW you never hear that nowadays,” or “that’s very impressive.” Yea, it’s definitely one of the questions I love to answer!

Megan
Development Department

GENEVA, Indiana – A little boy with a life-threatening illness has the wish of his life with Kids Wish Network.

Born three months early, Hunter spent his first year of life in the hospital battling an illness called Hypogammaglobulinemia. He was placed on a ventilator and had a tracheotomy to assist his breathing until he was almost three-years-old. He uses a feeding tube, receives weekly blood treatments and has had numerous surgeries in his short life.

After learning about Kids Wish Network through her son’s nurse, Hunter’s mother, Ashla, gave them a call. It wasn’t long before little Hunter made his one wish known to Wish Coordinator, Jennifer: to visit Mickey Mouse at this “home” in Florida. Along with the assistance of Wish Funding Specialist, Megan, and some outstanding sponsors, Jennifer worked her magic and set up an awesome family getaway for Hunter 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, Hunter 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!

Hunter had a blast visiting Sea World, Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. He rode plenty of rides and even enjoyed the cool soaking he got on Splash Mountain, much to the chagrin of his waterlogged parents. “It did keep us cool,” said Ashla.

Out of everything he experienced in Florida on his wish trip, the one thing that will stay with Hunter the longest will be the memory of meeting his longtime hero, Mickey Mouse. “Oh, he really loved that…he actually enjoyed meeting all the characters. They were definitely his favorites,” said Ashla of her little boy.

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Hunter’s wish extra special: Compassion Partners, WonderWorks, Pirates Dinner Adventure, The Royal Plaza Hotel, California Pizza Kitchen, Geneva Dental Clinic, Knights of Columbus, United Auto Workers Union, Adams County Fraternal Order of Police #127, Berne Police Department, Geneva Police Reserves, Adams County Sheriff’s Department, Monroe Volunteer Fire Department, Preble Volunteer Fire Department, Geneva Volunteer Fire Department, Berne Volunteer Fire Department and Adams County Medics EMS Personnel.

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

Below is a heartwarming e-mail I received from one of my wish kids that just went on a shopping spree. A wish can go a long way!

Hello Vanessa,

Thank you so much for making my wish come true. I had a great time. On my shopping spree I got an HP laptop for college. I also got an Xbox. I got a nice tour throughout the whole store. I liked so many things but the laptop got my attention really quick. The managers were very friendly and nice. At Sizzler’s I got a good meal. I was extremely full when I came out from their. It was nice. Thank you so much.

Love, Felix

Vanessa Covolo
Wish Coordinator

Recently, I returned from Chicago where I had the opportunity to meet a wonderful wish family.

When a child’s wish is to meet a celebrity the wish coordinator accompanies the family to make sure everything is smooth running. While Nicholas was ecstatic to meet his hero Aramis Ramirez, I had the pleasure of spending some quality time with him and his family. From my experience, Nicholas is one courageous and kind young boy. With smiles from ear to ear and a heart full of gold, Nicholas is truly one deserving little boy.

Vanessa
Wish Coordinator

Richmond, Calif. – A teenage boy who has Ewings Sarcoma recently had his wish granted for a Best Buy shopping spree. His wish was made possible with the help of national Charity Kids Wish Network.

In 2008, Felix developed a cough and noticed some pain in his arm. Upon visiting his doctor, a tumor was found and diagnosed as Ewings Sarcoma, which is a cancer of the muscles and connective tissues. Felix went through eight months of chemotherapy treatments and one and a half months of radiation.

Felix said that he was at the hospital receiving treatments when his Child Life Specialist informed him that he would qualify for a wish through Kids Wish Network.

“I was in my chemo bed and my social worker came in and told me about it,” Felix said. “I was pretty excited.”

It didn’t take long for Wish Coordinator Vanessa to get to work and find out that Felix’s wish was for a shopping spree to Best Buy. With some help from Wish Funding Specialist Donna, Felix was soon on his way to his spree.

Felix said he chose a shopping spree because he wanted things for school.

“I thought a spree would help me out with school, and Best Buy has very good stuff there,” he said.

The shopping spree took place at the Best Buy on Fitzgerald Ave. in Pinole, and Felix had $1,000 to spend as he pleased. The store also provided Felix with a 15% discount on his purchases.

“I got a 15 inch HP laptop and an XBOX with Madden 10. I also got this wireless network adaptor that goes with the XBOX so I can play live with other people around the world and play online,” Felix said.

Out of all his purchases, Felix said that his laptop is his favorite.

“It is my favorite thing because it’s going to help me out in school and the first time I saw it I was like, ‘wow,’” he said.

Kids Wish Network also set up a lunch for Felix at a nearby Sizzler restaurant. Felix said that everyone at the restaurant and Best Buy was so nice and helped him throughout the day.

“It was great. Everything was good I just had a great day yesterday,” he said.

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Felix’s wish extra special: Best Buy, Sizzler, Howard Orthopedics, Orton Development, Richmond Fire Department, Fraternal Order of Eagles 2323, Elks Lodge #1251

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 began working on a wish for a young lady from the Chicago area who has Spina Bifida a few months ago. Her 15th birthday was coming up and she told me her only wish was to have a Quinceanera party for her birthday. The Quinceanera is a coming-out celebration that every Hispanic girl goes through when she turns 15. She also wanted to invite 200 people to this event. I guess she has a lot of friends!!

There are many facets to these celebrations and they are in fact almost like a wedding with a ceremony and a reception. I began searching for a place to hold the celebration and someone to help me plan it. After many calls I spoke to Zam Zam Banquet hall in Chicago and Manal agreed to donate the room as well as help with decorating, balloons and a cake. I made some calls and soon a dress that would make Cinderella jealous was on its way. Events by Fairy Godmothers agreed to do the flowers. Chicago Mobile DJs agreed to provide the music and even let Alma pick out all the songs she wanted to hear. NFD Media and Giorgio Ventola Inc. agreed to take video and shoot film of the event. Quinceanera-Boutique.com let her pick out invitations and personalized them for her.

Last but not least I needed food for this grand event. Some local restaurants came to the rescue. Tanzitaro Grille and Lalo’s both donated Fajita trays and rice. Smoque BBQ donated Mac N’ Cheese for 200. Hooters of Melrose Park donated wings. Mamacitas gave chips and salsa and guacamole trays. Taco Burrito King rounded out the whole event with a Fiesta Taco Bar.

Soon Alma’s special day was here! Jill from Make Up First arrived to do her hair and makeup. Big Dog Limousine transported her and her entourage to a park to take pictures and then to the hall. She arrived at Zam Zam Banquets and 200 of her closest friends were there waiting for her. Alma was truly a princess for the night!!

Jill
Wish Coordinator

Recently Avery returned from his action-packed trip to Hawaii. While he was there he and his family enjoyed surfing lessons, swam with the dolphins, went to Aquarium, USS Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor and a Luau. It was an immeasurable to have the opportunity of planning Avery’s wish. There were so many sponsors in Hawaii that came together to put a smile on his face. I can not thank them enough for treating the family like royalty.

To read more about Avery’s wish please visit http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/story/807548.html

Vanessa
Wish Coordinator

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

Omaha, Neb. – A 9-year-old girl who suffers from a life-threatening illness had her wish to visit Florida theme parks come true with the help of national charity Kids Wish Network.

When Savannah was just 6-months-old, she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. The disease, which results in the clogging of the lungs and pancreas, causes breathing problems and stops the production of enzymes necessary for food breakdown. Savannah has to use a breathing vest and takes various medications including enzymes and inhalers.

A professional fundraiser made a call to Savannah’s grandmother, and asked if she knew of any children with a life-threatening illness. She provided the fundraiser with Savannah’s name. When a Kids Wish Network Wish Referral Specialist contacted Savannah’s mother Monica to see if her daughter qualified for a wish, she was excited about what the program offered.

“I was very excited and pleased that this was happening for her,” Monica said.

Kids Wish Network Wish Coordinator Vanessa and Wish Funding Specialist Doris helped set up the trip for Savannah, her mother, father and brother. A round-trip flight, tickets to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a four-night hotel stay at The Royal Plaza Hotel, a trip to Wonderworks, various dinners including dining arrangements at Olive Garden, The Pirates Dinner Theatre and Wolfgang Puck Cafe, and spending money were included in her wish.

“We had a great time. All the dinners were amazing and I was very happy with the way that everything turned out,” said Monica.

Monica said Savannah really enjoyed dinner at Wolfgang Puck’s and that her daughter loved the celebrity feeling of meeting the chef, and all the special things they did to make her day even better.

“The whole experience was great. We got to be together and do something we would not have been able to do financially. Kids Wish Network did a great job,” Monica said.

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Savannah’s wish extra special: The FOP Douglas County Lodge #2, Omaha State Troopers Association, American Legion Auxiliary 8 & 40 Club, Concerned Nebraskans for Cystic Fibrosis, The Royal Plaza Hotel, Pirates Dinner Theatre, Olive Garden, Wolfgang Puck Café and Wonderworks.

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