Kids Wish Network's Blog

A Letter from a Wish Family…

Vanessa Covolo — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:19:15 +0000

Hi Vanessa,

The trip was great! Kristen had a wonderful time. It was so nice to have the family together on this trip. We haven’t had a family vacation in 5 years. Everyone from the Brickell Transportation drivers, the Hilton employees, and the Carnival Cruise Line were so kind and accommodating.

We checked into the Hilton, they gave us a room on the top floor overlooking the Miami port. It was a spectacular view, especially at night. Kristen and I got a little sea sick the first night on the ship, but on Saturday morning we were good to go. It was such a wonderful experience to be on a cruise ship. We have never been on one. It is like a mini resort floating on the sea. The activities and food were never ending. Carnival was very generous in giving Kristen 4 complimentary tickets for the Atlantis Resort shore excursion. Atlantis was beautiful. We rode the Lazy River, water slides, and relaxed by the pool. The aquarium they have is incredible. It is huge! When we got back to the ship on Saturday night, we were treated by Carnival with a tour of the bridge. It was interesting seeing how they maneuver the vessel. The staffs on the bridge were very friendly and detailed explaining how everything operated. Sunday was relaxing. Kristen, Dominic and I started at the pool, and then moved up to the water slide. Bill hung out in the casino. Then later that day, we enjoyed the karaoke show.

Overall, it was the nicest experience we could have had. It definitely makes up for the challenging year and a half when Kristen was going through chemo and radiation. I want to thank you and Kids Wish Network for coordinating this wish. Plus Carnival Cruise Line, Hilton, and Brickell Transportation for making the wish come true. I can’t tell you how great it was seeing Kristen enjoying herself. When I think back on how sick she was, and now, it is a miracle.

Thank you and God bless.

Patty

Mikey Meets Nascar Hero, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Bowie Leidy — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:38:43 +0000

Wow! I just had the honor of putting together a wish for the sweetest little boy! Mikey may only be 4 years old, but he has more NASCAR knowledge than most adult fans.

Mikey’s only wish was to meet Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and once again Dale, Jr. didn’t disappoint. Thanks to the Dale Jr. Foundation and Go Daddy.com, Mikey had the best weekend of his life! He not only got to meet his hero and share some time bonding at Dale’s mobile home; Mikey and his mom were VIP guests in the GoDaddy.com / Dale, Jr. Foundation Hospitality tent at the Darlington Raceway Southern 500 Race. As a surprise, Mikey also got to meet Dale’s racing partner, Brad Keselowski and WWE Diva/Go Daddy.com spokesperson, Candice Michelle. GoDaddy even furnished tickets to the race for Mikey and his family.

However, the best part of his wish was undoubtedly the special time that Mikey spent with his hero, Nascar Superstar, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Mikey and Dale bonded with talk about cars and Mikey gave Dale a Guardian Angel coin for luck. The best moment of all came when Dale got up to leave and Mikey hugged him exclaiming “I love you Dale, Jr.”, Dale reached down, patted Mikey on the back and told him, “I love you too, buddy”. Thank you Dale, for caring enough to make Mikey’s dream so special. A true American Hero, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Elena Meets Her Idols

Bowie Leidy — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:56:28 +0000

Recently we were able to help make a young girl’s wish of going to “American Idol” come true. I began working on Elena’s wish in September of ’08. Elena is from Champaign, Illinois and has a condition known as Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy. When I interviewed her she expressed her love for “American Idol” and especially Paula Abdul. She told me she wanted to go see the show and too meet Paula. I began working with American Idol to make her wish come true.

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!

A Letter from Olivia

Alicia True — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:08:08 +0000

We had the pleasure of granting the wish of a lifetime to a little girl a little while back. Her parents recently sent us a letter telling us what a great time she had on her princess vacation:

Olivia’s Princess Experience

3-year-old Olivia, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, didn’t let her illness stop her from having the time of her life at Disney World! Olivia recently returned from her wish with smiles from ear to ear. She and her family visited many of the theme parks and of course all the princesses. It was such an honor planning this trip for such a precious little girl.

-Vanessa

Wish Coordinator

Here’s a lovely note we received from her parents:

We want to thank you and the Kids Wish Network for the best time of our lives. Olivia enjoyed every part of the trip. Some of the things she liked the most was the escalators at the airport, when the airplanes were landing, the plays and performances at Disney, meeting the princesses and being made into a princess at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was the highlight of her trip as well as it was for us. Thank you again for everything.

Tony,Teri,Cameron

and Princess Olivia

Charles was “Up Close” and “In the Action” at the Pro Bowl!!!

Alicia True — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:02:25 +0000

Recently, Charles returned from the Pro Bowl with smiles from ear to ear. When he first arrived in Hawaii, he thought it was “paradise”. Thanks to many sponsors, Charles’ itinerary was jam-packed. He and his mother first attended the NFL Pro Bowl Festival at Kapiolani Park, where they watched the Military Challenge. Charles participated in some of the different sporting activities set up in the park, like the Quarterback Throw and the Extra Point Kick.

Next, was on to the Private tour of the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor with the San Diego Chargers Cheerleading Squad. “Needless to say, Charles loved being the center of attention with the Charger Cheerleaders and I think he still has a smile on his face.”

From there they headed to the NFL Pro Bowl All Star Block Party Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue. Here they watched some NFL players on stage doing interviews and interacting with the crowd.

Then it was on to NFL Tailgate Party. There were different tents with food and entertainment to reflect the 20’s, 30’s 50’s 80’s, 90’s, and 00. Charles and his mom interacted with the NFL mascots as well as got autographs and took pictures with the Pro Bowl Cheerleaders. Charles also got to get a few autographs with some other NFL players that were there to watch the Pro Bowl.

Finally, Charles arrived at the Pro-Bowl where he watched his favorite team (NFC) win the game! Charles was ecstatic when he caught one of the gloves thrown into the stands by an NFC player that was worn during the game!

Vanessa
Wish Department

Anthony did “See” you!

Vanessa Covolo — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:01:58 +0000

As Anthony flew into the beautiful city of New Orleans he was ecstatic with anticipation, as he was about to meet his all time favortite WWE superstar, John Cena! John Cena autographed many items for Anthony, talked with him for a bit and took numerous photos with the teen. John Cena is one amazing guy for everything he does for these kids. After Anthony’s meeting, he stayed and watched Mr. Cena do his “thing in the ring.”

Meeting John Cena wasn’t the only thing Anthony and his family did in New Orleans: they also experienced a 2-hour lunch cruise along the Misissippi, checked out the Musee Conti and visited the great Mardi Gras World.

I’m glad you had a fabulous time, Anthony!

-Vanessa

Wish Coordinator

“Roundhouse Kick” with Chuck Norris

Vanessa Covolo — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:00:27 +0000

Brandon had the time of his life visiting Chuck Norris’s Ranch. While at his ranch, Chuck took Brandon on a tour of his entire ranch. Brandon also got to ride Chuck’s horses and eat lunch with him. Chuck’s kindness was so immense; he even gave Brandon a pair of his cowboy boots. Giddy up Brandon!

-Vanessa

Wish Coordinator

Caitlyn Couldn’t Resist the Ocean

Vanessa Covolo — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:55:06 +0000

Caitlyn couldn’t wait for her fantasy to become reality. While Caitlyn and her family chose to drive to Disney World for her wish, they first they stopped at Cocoa Beach where Caitlyn experienced the ocean for the first time. They relaxed for a bit and Caitlyn was so excited to dip her feet in the water.

Continuing on their journey, she and her family visited many of the Disney World theme parks. She also met and received many autographs from different Disney Characters. Furthermore, Caitlyn received her ultimate makeover at her favorite place, the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique in Disney World. They made her into the princess that she is!

-Vanessa

Wish Coordinator

Music Heals!

Vanessa Covolo — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:15:19 +0000

Drew couldn’t wait to make some noise on his new drum set!

-Vanessa

Shanice Gets a Wish AND a Birthday Surprise!

Alicia True — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:49:44 +0000

I recently worked on a wish for a very special young lady named Shanice. Shanice is from Texas and has a condition known as SMD which is a rare genetic disorder that results in dwarfism, skeletal abnormalities and vision problems. Shanice does not let this keep her down, though.

When asked about her wish Shanice immediately told me that she wanted to go to Disneyworld for her 12th birthday. She also told me that she loves cookbooks and watching the cooking channel on TV. I contacted Wolfgang Puck Grand Café in Downtown Disney and spoke to the manager to see if they might be able to make Shanice’s birthday one she will always remember. They said yes they would do their best.

The day of Shanice’s birthday, she was so excited when she arrived at Wolfgang Puck’s that she was shaking. They certainly did do their best to make her birthday memorable. They had an apron embroidered for her, a talking Minnie Mouse doll, Minnie Mouse ears, & a Wolfgang Puck cook book signed by all the staff. Because they knew she loves Paula Deen, they also contacted Paula’s people and were able to get her even more birthday goodies!! They also let her siblings make their own pizzas for dinner. They even had a special cake made by the pastry chef just for her.

I would like to thank the staff at Wolfgang Puck Grand Café for caring enough to make a difference in the life of a sick child.

Jill
Wish Department