Matthew is a fun-loving 10-year-old who enjoys nothing more than playing soccer or lacrosse in his backyard. He also enjoys building things with LEGOs and learning about science, particularly electricity and geology. Matthew loves to laugh, and his favorite movies are Will Ferrell’s “Elf” and most Adam Sandler movies.

In 2011, Matthew’s parents took him to the dentist for a routine check-up. He had a tooth pulled and, in the spot where his tooth was, there was a pea-sized tumor. His dentist prescribed antibiotics, thinking it was an abscess. After awhile, the “abscess” seemed to get larger, so he was sent to a specialist. They tried to remove the growth three different times and yet it came back every time. Matthew was sent to more specialists who, after a month of testing where Matthew had to miss school, he was finally diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, or oral cancer. Matthew endured a major invasive procedure in which the teeth around the tumor were removed, as well as the palate down to his jawbone, so that they could scrape all the way down to the bone to try to remove the tumor. Afterwards, Matthew endured another major surgery which removed all the teeth on the left side of his mouth along with the lymph nodes on the left side of his neck. Matthew is currently being fitted for a prosthetic and he must go to the doctor’s every three months for a follow-up.

For his wish, Matthew wants to enjoy some time away from everyday life by going on a tropical cruise. Get ready to experience the thrill of the high seas, Matthew, because your wish is about to come true!

Gene is a bright teenager who loves music and baking. His favorite show is “Cake Boss” and he loves listening to and watching Broadway musicals. Gene also collects programs from his favorite Broadway shows and even builds small scale sets and items from musicals that he likes.

Gene was born with a very rare insulin disorder called Rabson-Mendenhall Syndrome; it is so rare, in fact, that there are only eight known cases worldwide. Because of this condition, Gene produces 100 times more insulin than normal and his insulin receptors do not work – something that will eventually shut his body down and severely shorten his lifespan. Gene already endures twice daily insulin injections, but he is also part of a trial study to determine possible treatments for the syndrome, as there is very little known about it at this time.

For his wish, Gene wants to bake a cake with the “Cake Boss,” Buddy Valastro. Make sure to pack an apron, Gene, because your wish is about to come true!

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

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!

http://kidswishnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/Kelsey_WishKid.mp3

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!

http://kidswishnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/Christian_WishKid.mp3

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!