“Amanda just thinks the woman is amazing.  She always has.  She loves her music, her literacy program and all she does,” Brenda said.  

And when national charity Kids Wish Network gave Amanda the opportunity to meet Parton, it didn’t even matter to Amanda that her mom couldn’t get off work to go.  The family was told they could wait to meet Parton in the spring when Brenda could get time off, but Amanda didn’t want to wait.  

“She said, ‘no. Dad and I are going now,’” Brenda said with a smile.  

The once in a lifetime wish experience came true after Brenda, searching for information on Amanda’s medical condition came across an article about a little boy with the same condition who had a wish granted by Kids Wish Network.  Amanda suffers from Chiari malformation and syringomyelia.  This is an illness in which the brain intrudes on the spinal column, putting extreme pressure on it. Amanda has developed fluid-filled cavities in her spinal column, which increases the pressure on her nerves. Although she has endured various medical procedures and surgeries, Amanda still has to be closely monitored and take daily medication.

After doing a little research, Brenda submitted Amanda’s name to Kids Wish Network and soon received a wish application.  Before Amanda and her father knew it, they were on their way from Michigan to Tennessee to meet Amanda’s hero.  

Although Brenda didn’t get to attend the wish trip, she said Amanda kept her updated the whole time.

“Amanda texted me right after she met Dolly and said she was amazing.  She said she thought Dolly was genuinely concerned,” Brenda said.  “And Amanda’s dad said it was like the two of them [Amanda and Parton] bonded.  It was incredible.”  

Aside from meeting Parton, Kids Wish Network set up an itinerary full of things for Amanda and her dad including round-trip flights, accommodations at The Inn at Christmas Place, tickets to Dollywood, a rental car, spending money, various dinners while in Tennessee and attendance at the Black Bear Jamboree.  Brenda said Amanda loved everything.  

“She loved Dolly’s show and the Black Bear Jamboree.  Everything they did she told me about.  She got to see all the things she wanted to see.  She loved the food and everyone treated her nice,” she said. “I am very appreciate and Kids Wish Network an amazing job.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Amanda’s wish extra special: The Inn at Christmas Place, Thrifty Car Rental, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Black Bear Jamboree, Mellow Mushroom, South Fork Limousine Service, Dolly Parton

Dollymania.net
Published: 10/06/10
Source:

http://www.dollymania.net/amanda.html

I recently was able to plan a wish for a young lady named Jennifer from California who is recovering from Hodgkins Lymphoma.  Jennifer wished to meet Marc Jacobs, the world famous fashion designer.  We soon had confirmation that her wish would take place in New York City. 

Jennifer and her family flew into New York on Wednesday night.  Jennifer, who had never been to The Big Apple, began her wish by having dinner at The View Restaurant, NY’s only revolving rooftop restaurant.  She was treated like royalty and even met the chef who prepared a special dish of “truffled lobster tail” just for her.  After dinner she was treated to her own customized New York cheesecake! 

The next day Jennifer had an appointment at Bergdorf Goodman and The John Barrett Salon for a hair and makeup makeover!  She was treated like a queen and came out looking stunning. 

The next step for Jennifer was the perfect outfit.  A limo picked her up outside of Bergdorf and wisked her downtown to Soho for a special shopping spree at The Guess Store.  In no time flat Jennifer found a marvelous outfit to wear for her special meeting with Marc Jacobs.

Upon arriving at Marc’s offices, Jennifer was greeted by Marc himself and given a tour of the studio.  Marc spent a good deal of time chatting with her and watching the fall 2010 runway show with her!  To top off the day, Marc accompanied her to his Marc by Marc Jacobs store and shopped with her!  What an awesome day for Jennifer!!

Jill
Wish Department

Kids Wish Network is a national children’s charity dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories and improving the quality of life for children in crisis. They accomplish this mission through several programs, including granting the wishes of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

When a child from Chattanooga asked to have a wish granted, the Kids Wish Network Wish Funding team began calling around the city, seeking someone to step up to the plate and help grant the child’s wish. That’s where International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 673 came in.

After days of calling and asking for help from many different local organizations, Wish Funding Specialist Doris found herself talking to Detective Phil Grubb of the Chattanooga Police Department. He told her that he was the president of the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers and that he would be honored to bring up the matter to his organization.

“They didn’t even finish reading the email before they were making motions to pay for the whole wish,” said Detective Grubb. “We’ve not donated to Kids Wish Network before, but we’ve tried to help other children in the area before…there are little occasions that we help with. We’re very aggressive in helping the community.”

With the help of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 673, the whole cost of the wish was covered. Once the wish was granted, Detective Grubb and his fellow officers decided to put out a challenge to the other fraternal police organizations in the area to sponsor more wishes.

“She [the wish child] is not the only one who needs help,” said Detective Grubb. “If we could do it, we’ll light the fire under everyone to help out.”

Now he’s just waiting for someone to accept that challenge and help make more dreams come true.

To sponsor a child’s wish or to nominate a child who is suffering from a life-threatening illness and may be in need of Kids Wish Network’s wish granting services, call 727 937-3600 or toll free 888 918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit their website at www.kidswishnetwork.org

It wasn’t until her grandmother referred Keagan to Kids Wish Network that Natalie thought her son could possibly have a wish granted. But before long, Natalie was on the phone with a Kids Wish Network Wish Coordinator making plans for Keagan’s wish.

“I think we made a list up and we talked about all the characters that would be there [at the theme parks],” Natalie said. “He wanted to meet Mickey for his wish and he likes the characters and that’s how he decided.”

Kids Wish Network set up all the arrangements for Keagan’s wish. The entire wish trip was paid for, including round-trip flights for Keagan and his parents, meals, a hotel stay at the beautiful Royal Plaza, theme park tickets, a rental car and even spending money was included in Keagan’s wish. Natalie said the whole wish trip was amazing.

“It was all great. Everything that we did I could tell that it was all really planned out and organized,” she said.

While in Florida for the wish trip, the family visited The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Natalie said Keagan liked Magic Kingdom the best and really enjoyed the shows they attended.

“We went to a Finding Nemo and Lion King show and he had a lot of fun. They got him involved with the Lion King show and took him out on stage in his stroller and he had the biggest smile,” she said.

Natalie said Keagan also enjoyed the meal provided at The Pirates Dinner Theater. The actors took pictures with Keagan after the show and made him feel special.

“He keeps on saying when he grows up he wants to be a pirate,” she said.

While Keagan enjoyed the sights and characters on his wish, the experience with Kids Wish Network meant something more to Natalie.

“To tell you the truth I didn’t know how he would react on his wish with all the excitement and I think my favorite part was seeing him smile so much. That was really great,” she said. “It was a really great experience.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Keagan’s wish extra special: Greenville FOE #4321, Wyoming Moose Lodge #763, Royal Plaza, Wonderworks, Compassion Partners, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Backyard Burgers, Buca di Beppo

Vee 2
Atlanta, Georgia
Published: 03/08/10
Source:

http://www.vee2.net/world-news/47-world-news/4620-kids-wish-network.html

Madeline
Wish Department

All my best to you and yours,
Alicia
Editorial Department

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

Before her first birthday, Mariah was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and epilepsy. She has seizures on a daily basis, and relies on a walker or a wheelchair for mobility. Doctors are considering putting a pace maker into her chest to help control the frequency of her seizures.

When a professional fundraiser contacted Mariah’s mother Laurie and told her about Kids Wish Network and asked her if she knew of any children with life threatening illnesses, Laurie decided to refer her daughter. Together with the help of Wish Coordinator Vanessa and Wish Funding Specialist Megan, Mariah was soon on her way to Florida to see her wish come true.

Mariah’s swim took place at Theatre of the Sea in the Florida Keys. Laurie said that Mariah was so excited to be able to swim with the dolphins.

“She would rather be in the water than anywhere else,” said Laurie. “Watching Mariah with the dolphins and seeing how much she liked it was wonderful.”

Aside from setting up the family’s flight and swim, Kids Wish Network arranged for the family to stay at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, ride in the Key Largo Princess glass bottom boat, and dinner reservations were made at Outback Steakhouse, Key Largo Conch House and The Big Chill Restaurant.

“The meals were all wonderful. The last night at The Big Chill a man did balloon animals and Mariah loved watching him make them,” said Laurie. “And we got to sit out and look at the ocean while we ate our meal.”

Laurie said that everyone made Mariah feel so special. She said people kept coming up and asking her how she did.

“She loved it. She had squeals of delight. It worked well because we ended up with a dolphin that had done therapy and he just loved Mariah. He took her off on her own and pushed her feet right up on the shore,” said Laurie.

Laurie said that her experience with Kids Wish Network was wonderful and everyone made her and her family feel so comfortable.

“I think everybody had a wonderful time. I would tell anyone to refer their child to Kids Wish Network,” she said.

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Mariah’s wish come true: Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union, Dr. James T. Wolf, DDS, Fraternal Order of Police, Grace Lutheran Church, Moose Lodge #571, Outback Steakhouse, Theatre of the Sea, Key Largo Conch House, Alamo Car Rental, The Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat and The Big Chill Restaurant.

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. Aside from granting wishes, Kids Wish Network also has several other programs which benefit children’s care facilities. 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 www.kidswishnetwork.org

Prior to her diagnosis, Ta’Kiyah used to complain about having headaches. She was taken to the hospital by her Aunt Cherie, and doctors discovered a malignant tumor on her brain. Ta’Kiyah spent about seven months in the hospital, and underwent chemotherapy to treat the tumor. She is currently in remission.

When a friend at the City Council of Dover told Cherie about Kids Wish Network, a nationally recognized non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses, Cherie was excited about the prospect of having a wish granted for her niece. Together with the help of Wish Coordinator Madeline, Wish Funding Specialist Megan, and some very special sponsors, Ta’Kiyah was on her way to the nation’s capital. A limo ride, hotel stay at the beautiful Hotel Adams—where President Obama stayed prior to the inauguration—dinner at the Hard Rock Café, a trip to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and a trip to southern style restaurant Georgia Brown’s were also included in Ta’Kiyah’s wish.

“Kids Wish Network is a great place,” said Cherie. “They did all they could to make Ta’Kiyah’s wish come true.”

Ta’Kiyah wanted to visit President Obama, because she wanted to ask him how it feels to be living in the White House; but her nerves got the best of her.

“I kept covering my eyes. I wasn’t crying. My eyes were just watery that day,” she said.

Cherie said that Ta’Kiyah was so nervous when she saw President Obama, but he told her, “Ta’Kiyah, you can take your hands off your eyes. It’s going to be OK.”

“When he told her it was going to be OK, she calmed down a little, little bit,” Cherie said. “He took the time to embrace her.”

Ta’Kiyah said her favorite part of the whole trip was shaking President Obama’s hand and dinner at the Hard Rock Café where she was made into a rock star. She also brought a scrapbook to show the president, with photos, special certificates and her report card.

“I was very impressed. He really took his time and looked at every picture and asked her what each picture represented,” said Cherie. “Thumbs up to everybody who made this possible for Ta’Kiyah.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Ta’Kiyah’s wish come true: Dover Masonic Lodge, Open Arms Baptist Church, People’s United Church of Dover, The White House and President Obama, Hay Adams Hotel, Hard Rock Café, Camelot Limousine Services, Georgia Brown’s, Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the National Park service.

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. Aside from granting wishes, Kids Wish Network also has several other programs which benefit children’s care facilities. 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 us at http://www.kidswishnetwork.org