Nothing gets 7-year-old Cassandra – aka Cassie – down, not even her condition. She was born with her spinal column exposed, through a disorder called myelomeningocele, which is a form of spina bifida. Spina bifida causes significant problems including paralysis and a compromised immune system, which can lead to other life-threatening illnesses.

Cassie’s mother, Theresa, said her little girl fell in love with Howie Mandel after watching America’s Got Talent for the first time. Since that day, Cassie has watched everything she can with Howie Mandel in it and she now proudly proclaims herself to be his number one fan. So, when given the chance to wish for anything she wanted, it came as no surprise that Cassie wanted to meet the famous comedian.

This chance to wish came about when Cassie’s grandmother referred her to international children’s charity Kids Wish Network for the possibility to have her wish granted. After some paperwork, Caitlin’s wish was well on its way to being granted.

Cassie’s wish took place at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort, where Howie Mandel was performing. In addition to the meet-and-greet with Howie, Cassie and her family were also treated to accommodations at the Sea Horse Oceanfront Landing and the Hyatt Place Portland Airport/Cascade Station, dinners every evening, a visit to the Oregon Zoo and a trip to the Build-A-Bear Workshop to create her own special bear.

“It was amazing,” said Theresa of her daughter’s wish. “It could not have been any better than it was.”

Their first day in Portland saw them having a special visit to the Oregon Zoo, where Cassie was allowed to meet the zoo’s penguins face to face and even feed them their favorite fish. She was also given a chance to watch zoo staff feed and play with polar bears only a few feet away!

The next day was the big one, when Cassie would meet her hero, Howie Mandel. However, before the meeting, Cassie got to visit the Build-A-Bear Workshop in the Clackamas Town Center. There, she made a very special bear that she dressed in an outfit to match the one she was wearing to present to her hero. She also made a recording of herself saying, “I love you, Howie!” so that he could remember how special he made Cassie feel when he granted her wish.

After making the bear, a limousine picked Cassie and her family up and drove them over to the Chinook Winds Casino Resort, which made Cassie feel like a princess. At the resort, she went backstage and met Howie Mandel.

“I liked him before,” said Theresa of Howie. “But I love him now, knowing how happy he made Cassie.” Upon seeing her idol right in front of her, Cassie just lit up. “You are just so cute,” said Howie. “I know,” replied Cassie…“…and humble!” added Howie with a laugh. Cassie just grinned and grinned.

While they chatted, Cassie presented Howie with the special Build-A-Bear she created just for him, along with a little Shoulder Buddy for him to wear – which he loved and said he would try to wear during his next live appearance on TV. He also made a recording of himself saying, “Hi, Cassandra, this is Howie, and I love you.” After the meeting, Cassie and her family returned to Build-A-Bear to create a bear dressed like Howie so that they could put the recording in it; Cassie’s been hugging the bear ever since.

“She’s just absolutely blown away by this still,” said Theresa of Cassie. “She’s been grinning ever since he hugged her and she hasn’t stopped. She’s been on a permanent happy streak ever since.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Cassie’s wish extra special: Howie Mandel; Budget Rent A Car; Oregon Zoo; Hyatt Place Portland Airport/Cascade Station; IHOP; Build-A-Bear Workshop; Sea Horse Oceanfront Lodging; and Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

News Lincoln County
Lincoln County, Oregon
Source:
http://www.newslincolncounty.com/?p=51245

With smiles on their faces and excitement in their eyes, children of all ages lit up as their local police officers, firefighters and city officials handed them bags overflowing with all sorts of toys, games and other necessities during the Kids Wish Network On Tour event over the weekend.

Hosted by Mayor Bob Simpson and the City of Brownfield, Kids Wish Network On Tour was created by international children’s charity Kids Wish Network to bring “miles of smiles” to at-risk children by sending donations of toys and necessities into the hearts of their hometowns. Through the assistance of Megatrux, Inc., a semi-truck loaded with these necessities drove to Oak Grove Elementary School, where it was unloaded and set up for the big event by local volunteers from Brownfield.

“The community spirit in Brownfield was amazing,” said Kids Wish Network Programs Coordinator, Evy Acosta. “Everyone really pulled together to support this great On Tour event and it couldn’t have gone any better. It was wonderful.”

As the event opened, over 2,400 children and their families flooded the area and waited patiently in lines wrapped around the buildings. For more than four hours, city officials, police officers and firefighters all worked nonstop to make sure that each and every child received the toys and necessities they so deserved.

“We were astounded by the great support of the Brownfield community, from the city council and chamber to the police and fire departments” said Kids Wish Network’s Executive Director, Anna Lanzatella. “That famous Texas hospitality was very evident in Brownfield. Everyone worked so well together to provide assistance to children who needed so much and yet were so happy to receive even the smallest toy; they were overwhelmed with joy at receiving bags full of gifts!”

Thanks to Kids Wish Network On Tour and the remarkable community spirit that thrives in Brownfield, the children of Texas are now beaming with smiles that are certain to stay. For Mayor Bob Simpson of Brownfield, the On Tour event brought out a community-wide sense of exhilaration and achievement that will live on well past the event itself:

“What an event!  Joy could be seen on the faces of our children as they were presented with gifts, but this did not match the joy of the volunteers as they watched these children.  Thank you [Kids Wish Network] for the hope and joy you bring to cities across our great country… may you receive as many blessings as you bring to the cities and towns yourTour touches.”

KCBD-TV
Lubbock, Texas
Source:
http://www.kcbd.com/story/18114612/kids-wish-network-brings-miles-of-smiles-to-children-of-brownfield

Together they enjoyed the new playground, which included a swing set and playhouse, in the backyard at his home near this mountain community, courtesy of the Kids Wish Network.

Little Kevin, who was born with Moebius Syndrome, a rare congenital disorder that makes it difficult for the facial muscles to move, was chosen as a “Wish Kid” and given a choice of gifts from the network.

Kevin has low muscle tone and is unable to speak or walk, so he made his choice from a picture book, opting for the playground equipment over such options as a trip to the beach, a cruise or even a hot tub.

“It is hard to explain,” his father, Carlos Nievesmassol, said of his son’s selection. “He chose this swing set but can’t walk yet, so it’s something that will be there for life for him.”

Once Kevin made his choice, Kids Wish, which is based in Florida, used several resources in Colorado to carry out the project.

Backyard Adventures Colorado donated the entire playground, which is complete with the playhouse, swing set and monkey bars.

Members of American Legion Young Guns, Post 115 in Rye, volunteered to install the equipment.

Scott Sexton, commander of Post 115, rallied troops and brought along George McGoff, post adjutant, Jerry McClure, senior vice-commander and members Ron Rybicki, and Mike Davis to help out.

“Kevin has had a rough life, but hopefully we brought great joy to him today,” said Sexton, who emphasized that helping youth is one of the four pillars of the American Legion values.

McGoff said, “It was a day well spent. Our post has never done anything like this, so when we got here, it was nice to see Kevin and Connor so excited.”

“Kevin has known it is a special day for him, and we love to see him happy,” the youngster’s parents, Kacie and Carlos Nievesmassol, said of their son who requires occupational, speech and physical therapy.

Pueblo Chieftain
Rye, Colorado
Source:
http://www.chieftain.com/news/region/a-wish-come-true/article_96287094-95a5-11e1-9a38-001a4bcf887a.html

With smiles on their faces and excitement in their eyes, children of all ages lit up as their local police officers, firefighters and city officials handed them bags overflowing with all sorts of toys, games and other necessities during the Kids Wish Network On Tour event over the weekend.

Hosted by Mayor Bob Simpson and the City of Brownfield, Kids Wish Network On Tour was created by international children’s charity Kids Wish Network to bring “miles of smiles” to at-risk children by sending donations of toys and necessities into the hearts of their hometowns. Through the assistance of Megatrux, Inc., a semi-truck loaded with these necessities drove to Oak Grove Elementary School, where it was unloaded and set up for the big event by local volunteers from Brownfield.

“The community spirit in Brownfield was amazing,” said Kids Wish Network Programs Coordinator, Evy Acosta. “Everyone really pulled together to support this great On Tour event and it couldn’t have gone any better. It was wonderful.”

As the event opened, over 2,400 children and their families flooded the area and waited patiently in lines wrapped around the buildings. For more than four hours, city officials, police officers and firefighters all worked nonstop to make sure that each and every child received the toys and necessities they so deserved.

“We were astounded by the great support of the Brownfield community, from the city council and chamber to the police and fire departments” said Kids Wish Network’s Executive Director, Anna Lanzatella. “That famous Texas hospitality was very evident in Brownfield. Everyone worked so well together to provide assistance to children who needed so much and yet were so happy to receive even the smallest toy; they were overwhelmed with joy at receiving bags full of gifts!”

Thanks to Kids Wish Network On Tour and the remarkable community spirit that thrives in Brownfield, the children of Texas are now beaming with smiles that are certain to stay. For Mayor Bob Simpson of Brownfield, the On Tour event brought out a community-wide sense of exhilaration and achievement that will live on well past the event itself:

“What an event!  Joy could be seen on the faces of our children as they were presented with gifts, but this did not match the joy of the volunteers as they watched these children.  Thank you [Kids Wish Network] for the hope and joy you bring to cities across our great country… may you receive as many blessings as you bring to the cities and towns your Tour touches.”

The cooperation and the fire dept, police, sheriffs and vol. was really heartwarming. It was great that we all came together. I don’t know who had more joy, the kids or the volunteers. It was good to work with the KWN team. We had like 2800 registered and over 2,000 get there It was a very good thing.

Town Talk Radio
Terry County, Texas
Source:
http://towntalkradio.com/blog/around-town/kids-wish-network-brings-smiles-to-local-children/

The Florida Kids Wish Network partnered with George’s Cycles and Fitness and Specialized Bicycle Components to bring him the new bike as part of their wish-granting program. Garrett could hardly contain a wide grin.

“I want to do a little bit of cross country, a little bit of downhill. My old bike is a single-speed,” he said.

Garrett’s tiny BMX bike wasn’t suited for mountain biking, but despite his six-foot, two-inch frame having outgrown the bike, he displayed a passion for cycling at the Eagle Velodrome.

Garrett suffers from Common Variable Immune Deficiency, a condition that leaves him without a sufficient number of antibodies to fight off illnesses. He deals with painful illnesses, swelling joints and must receive a gamma globulin infusion every month.

“He misses a lot of school,” said Chris Housel, his principal at Meridian Technical Charter High School. “But he always makes up the work. He never complains, and he doesn’t make excuses. ”

Garrett said that when the rainy weather ended, he had plans to bring the bike to the first dry trail he found.

Boise Weekly
Boise, Idaho
Source:
http://www.boiseweekly.com/Cobweb/archives/2012/04/27/kids-wish-network-and-georges-cycles-bring-teen-new-bike

His current bike, a dirt-bike with no suspension, doesn’t help matters when he’s out riding at the Eagle Bike Park or on Foothills trails. But the Kids Wish Network, George’s Cycles & Fitness and Specialized Bicycle Components teamed up to pitch in and give Garrett, 16, a new, full-suspension Specialized SX Trail mountain bike. It is customized to fit his long frame with top-of-the-line components.

“This bike is going to be easier for him to do what he wants,” said his mom, Chelsy.

Garrett estimates he’ll be on the bike every day when the weather clears up.

“I’m going to be out riding it a lot,” he said.

Idaho Statesman
Boise, Idaho
Source:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/04/27/2093825/new-wheels-mean-cushier-ride-for.html

She likes boys, and religiously watches “Home Makeover: Extreme Edition,” mostly because of its star, Ty Pennington. Last week, she was on prom court at her high school, Clinton-Massie, and will graduate in May.

But in other ways, she is different. Caitlin suffers from multiple disabilities, including muscular sclerosis, seizures and scoliosis. She uses a wheelchair and is not verbal, but her facial expressions tell all.

“Even with everything she’s been through, she is one of the happiest people and always has a smile,” said her mother, Susan Smith.

Caitlin’s smile was on full display last month when she had the opportunity to meet Pennington in Washington, D.C. Kids Wish Network, an organization devoted to improving the well-being and quality of life for sick children nationwide, arranged the trip which included a special tour of the city in the family of four’s own full-size tour bus and a stay at a fancy hotel.

Caitlin first became a fan of Pennington when he hosted the decorating TV show “Trading Spaces.”

The Smiths met Pennington at a garden show where he was performing. He spent about 15 minutes of one-on-one time with Caitlin, gave her an autographed book and a $500 gift card to Sears.

“She was just in awe over him — she absolutely lit up,” Susan said. “He was as friendly in person as he appears to be on TV.”

Caitlin loves people who are high energy, and Pennington’s comical on the show which is appealing to her, Susan said. Caitlin chose to meet Pennington over teen heart-throb Justin Bieber, actor Will Smith and wrestler John Cena.

“She might make a different decision now,” Susan laughed.

Upon returning to the hotel, the staff had prepared a gift bag which included a book about the hotel’s history, signed by all the employees.

During the tour, the family stopped at Arlington National Cemetery to see the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown. Susan noticed how precise the guards movements were, but when one handed a rifle back to a solider, he caught Caitlin out of corner of his eye, Susan later learned. As he was leaving, Dontae Skywalker, a relief commander at the Tomb, scraped his foot.

“I thought he had made a mistake,” Susan confessed. It was when the family was leaving that Skywalker came running up to reveal that he had done it intentionally. It’s a movement done to honor wounded veterans.

“He did that in honor of Caitlin. We were all crying,” Susan said. “To me, that was almost comparable to meeting with Ty.”

The Smiths received the trip in an ironic way. Susan is a regular donor to the Kids Wish Network, but last time the organization called for a donation, funds were a bit too tight.

“I told the lady I had my own handicapped child and before she hung up the phone she asked about my situation and that started the conversation,” Susan recalled. “Next thing I know, we’re submitting paperwork.”

She later discovered that Caitlin’s doctor had submitted her name for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well. Since, she has contacted the foundation to ask them to seek another worthy child.

Tonya Canby, a nurse for special education students at Clinton-Massie, accompanied the family on the trip to assist with Caitlin’s care. The district has exceeded her expectations in creating an atmosphere conducive to her daughter’s needs, she said.

“From the students to principals to the superintendent, they have been incredible,” she said. “Honest to God, they’ve treated her like royalty.”

The phrase is more than a metaphor. Caitlin was voted a member of the 2012 prom court, and had a date “who was amazing with her, and made sure her night was everything it could be,” Smith said.

The Clinton-Massie students came together and said if she didn’t win as prom queen, they would crown her as prom princess.

Caitlin is currently serving as the 2012 Prom Princess.

“For them to acknowledge Caitlin and make her a part of the school — it’s like they don’t even see the differences in her,” Susan said. “I think she’s absolutely gorgeous, of course, but she does have physical limitations. They don’t treat her like that. She is so well-loved.”

Wilmington News Journal
Wilmington, Ohio
Source:
http://www.wnewsj.com/main.asp?SectionID=49&SubSectionID=156&ArticleID=198341

The national charity Kids Wish Network with local sponsors –Akron Firefighters Local 330,VFW Post 9904, Ron Marhofer Auto Family, Rubber City Harley-Davidson, American Legion Post 449, VFW Clarence Mains Post 1070 & Ladies Auxiliary, Catavolos Funeral Home/Rose Hill Burial Park,Compassion Partners, Tuscana Resort, Dollar Thrifty, California Pizza Kitchen, Wonderworks and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure — made the trip possible for 5-year-old Jonathan Watson and his family.

“When he was only 4 years old, Jonathan’s doctors discovered that he suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia,” Kids Wish Network spokeswoman Alicia True wrote. “This condition can be fatal if not discovered immediately, and Jonathan was immediately started on a three-year round of chemotherapy treatments.

“Although Jonathan’s body responded well to the treatments, the chemotherapy really began taking its toll on him, both mentally and physically. With the stress of the treatments, it soon became obvious that little Jonathan really needed something to lift his spirits; this came in the form of a wish … It wasn’t long before Jonathan let everyone know that he wanted to meet Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear and Woody at their Florida home in Walt Disney World.”

Jonathan is the son of Christina and Keith Watson. “The wish included accommodation, dinners every evening and, of course, tickets to the Walt Disney World Resort,” True continued.

“Jonathan proved quite the daredevil, riding every ride he was able. Three of his favorite rides were the Toy Story Midway Mania ride, the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.

“Of course, Jonathan’s favorite experiences were meeting his Toy Story heroes Buzz Lightyear and Woody the cowboy and posing for pictures with them.”

Akron Beacon Journal
Akron, Ohio
Source:
http://news.morningstar.com/all/acquire-news/ff808081369ada980136a12a01231d73/the-akron-beacon-journal-ohio-jewell-cardwell-column-the-akron-beacon-journal-ohio.aspx

Jenna suffers from severe scoliosis and syringomyelia (a disorder which affects the spinal cord). Her positive attitude while undergoing numerous invasive and painful procedures, and having to give up things very important to her such as playing the viola and running track, has served as an inspiration to the staff and other patients.

The award ceremony was a complete surprise to Jenna, who thought she was going in for more blood work. She was very happy, but her initial reaction was to feel that she didn’t deserve the award because so many kids had much worse situations than her. She was reassured that those children were being taken care of, but it was because of that very attitude that she was chosen Hero of the Month.

Mauldin Patch
Mauldin, South Carolina
Source:
http://mauldin.patch.com/articles/news-from-langston-charter-middle-school-cd9a872c#c

On March 10, Caitlin Smith and her parents, Susan and Bernie, drove to the capital to meet Ty Pennington, star of ABC’s former “Home Makeover: Extreme Edition,” through a special meet-and-greet arranged by the Kids Wish Network.

Caitlin Smith suffers from multiple disabilities including muscular dystrophy and respiratory issues. She must use a wheelchair and is unable to speak. Despite her obstacles, she will graduate in May from Clinton Massie High School, her mother Susan Smith said.

“Caitlin is boy crazy, she loves people who are high energy and she loves comedy,” she said. “Ty meets all three of those criteria.”

Caitlin first became a fan of Pennington when he hosted the decorating TV show “Trading Spaces.” Since that time, she’s watched his TV shows religiously, her mother said.

The Smiths met Pennington at a trade show where he was performing. He spent about 15 minutes of one-on-one time with Caitlin, gave her an autographed book and a $500 gift card to Sears, plus let her sit in VIP seating for his performance.

“She had the time of her life,” Susan Smith said. “She just sat there with her little mouth wide open the whole time.”

The Smiths also were treated to a luxury tour of Washington, D.C., specifically designed for Caitlin. Her favorite stop was at the Arlington National Cemetery to see the changing of the guard.

“Caitlin was just enthralled by the sharp precise movements of it all,” she said.

They received a special honor when the exiting guard scraped his boot in Caitlin’s honor.

“He caught up with us as we were leaving and told us what he had done and why,” Susan Smith said, choking up at the memory. “He said he wanted to give Caitlin a special honor. It meant the world to us. I would say it was comparable to meeting with Ty.”

The only negative to the experience was the drive, Smith said, which was extended due to her daughter’s limitations on the road.

“It was definitely a whirlwind adventure but it was totally worth it,” Smith said. “My daughter is an incredible person. She’s been an inspiration to a lot of people and I’m glad this happened for her.”

The Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedication to improving the quality of life of children with life threatening illnesses by providing special adventures, such as unique trips or the chance to meet heroes and celebrities.

Western-Star
Oregonia, Ohio
 Source: 
http://www.western-star.com/news/lebanon-oh-news/wish-granted-for-oregonia-teen-1351999.html?cxtype=rss_local-news