Kelsey is a bright teen with a creative streak. She loves painting with acrylics and her favorite subject in school, besides math, is art. Kelsey also enjoys listening to all sorts of music and cheering for the Notre Dame football team.

Two years ago, Kelsey underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. However, she began experiencing post-operative complications including severe headaches and short term memory loss; she was diagnosed with a granulomatous infection of the brain. She underwent several more surgeries and has had 5 in total so far. Kelsey was also treated with a high dose of steroids – the only thing known with the ability to control the infection. This illness has almost killed Kelsey several times, but she is certainly fighting it. She is currently receiving medication to deal with secondary illnesses that are attacking her immune system, which has been severely weakened with her treatments.

For her wish, Kelsey wants to come to face to face with some friendly penguins! Get ready to meet some ‘cool’ new friends, Kelsey, because your wish is about to come true!

Wish: Penguin Encounter
Wish Type: Travel

It’s a great boost for us when we receive a ‘thank you’ note from the staff of our Gift Bank facilities; they really help bring home the joy that our programs spread throughout the world. In fact, we just received a very nice note from Lenice Emanuel, the CEO of the YWCA Tampa Bay:

Thank you for the recent agreement between Kids Wish Network and YWCA Tampa Bay to provide a “Gift Bank” for the children assisted by our Family Village Child Development Center.

By your support of our mission to encourage these children, your organization serves as an advocate in ensuring that at-risk children receive a high-quality, early start on learning, and homeless children have a safe place to regain a sense of normalcy.

YWCA Tampa Bay’s mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, dignity, and social justice for all people. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or suggestions you may have.

We are blessed to have this opportunity to collaborate with you. Thank you again for your generosity!

Sincerely,
Lenice C. Emanuel, MLA 
CEO

We’re so glad to be able to help wherever we can.

Alicia
Editorial Dept.

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/

Christian is a fun-loving 8-year-old with a fondness for playing video games and playing in the pool. He collects wrestling action figures and football cards and his favorite time in school is recess. Christian’s favorite TV show is “Spongebob Squarepants” and his favorite sports are baseball and basketball.

Christian was born with a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 1 that causes tumors to grow in the body’s nerve tissues. He was also born with an enlarged kidney, which was surgically corrected when he was only 10 months old. After he turned 2, Christian’s doctors discovered a tumor, called an optic glioma, in his brain that can cause vision loss. He also has an tumor on his right hip for which he has endured surgery. In addition, Christian was recently diagnosed with weak bones after he began walking differently than normal – a typical side effect of neurofibromatosis – and he must now wear a back brace when performing strenuous tasks like riding a bicycle. Because of his condition, Christian must check in with various doctors and specialists on regular schedules to ensure that nothing is worsening.

For his wish, Christian wants to enjoy a tropical cruise with his family! Get ready to experience the fun of the high seas, Christian, because your wish is about to come true!

Channa is a 15-year-old social butterfly who adores listening to the music of her favorite boy band, One Direction. She also enjoys dancing and learning about history in school. Channa’s favorite sport is baseball and she always cheers for the Yankees.

In 2002, Channa was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a condition that causes mucus to build up in the lungs, clogging the passageways and leading to life-threatening lung infections. She receives daily medications and physical therapy using a percussion vest to help clear her lungs and breathe easier. Channa’s condition also affects her digestive system, for which she must take pancreatic enzyme and special vitamins to cope.

For her wish, Channa wants to meet her favorite singing group, One Direction. Get ready to see stars, Channa, because your wish is about to come true!

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

Kaden is a playful 8-year-old who enjoys watching baseball games, hockey games and “Spongebob Squarepants.” His favorite food is mac and cheese and he loves riding his bicycle and collecting Pokemon cards.

At the age of five, Kaden was diagnosed with intractable epilepsy, an uncontrollable seizure disorder. Kaden is currently enduring painful tests and a spinal tap in order to surgically implant a vagal nerve stimulator to help try and control his seizures in addition to the medication he is already taking. Kaden is also autistic and suffers from various cognitive and developmental delays.

For his wish, Kaden wants to visit the fun-filled theme parks in Orlando, Florida. Get ready to experience a vacation like you’ve never had before, Kaden, because your wish is about to come true!