CHICAGO, Ill. (June 2020): Emma Lookatch would tell you that she’s country singer Luke Bryan’s biggest fan. After seeing her light up just mentioning his name, most people would likely agree. Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses, was so excited to make this deserving girl’s dream come true. Emma struggles with the challenges of ataxic cerebral palsy, a congenital condition and rare type of cerebral palsy that affects balance, coordination, and depth perception. Kids Wish Network arranged for Emma to meet Luke Bryan on the set of American Idol. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, traveling to California to attend the show was no longer an option.  

Kids Wish Network was determined to give Emma an experience that she would never forget by fulfilling her wish in a different way.  We reached out to Mr. Bryan to request a personalized message for Emma. She was going to get a thrill of a lifetime!

Kids Wish Network wanted Emma to receive her message in style, customizing her gift package to present Luke’s message on a brand new iPad and Beats by Dre headphones.  She squealed with delight upon seeing Luke’s photo alone, but she was going to be in for a big surprise!  Luke Bryan’s video message to Emma played.  It was all so surreal for the teen who couldn’t believe the most amazing words she’s ever heard from Luke Bryan. It’s not every day your idol says, “Just know that I love you!” Emma exclaimed, “I’ll never forget, this is better than my birthday!” When she asked how Luke knew who she was, Kids Wish didn’t spoil the magic.  Her dad, Bryan Lookatch responded perfectly. “This is what they love to do, they like to bring smiles to special people, cause they know how hard you work at being you.”

“Emma, your dad couldn’t have said it any better. Our joy is in creating smiles like yours and we’re grateful your family trusted us with your wish,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai. “We’d like to thank Luke Bryan for teaming up with us to give Emma this most special gift.”

Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides for trip expenses, meals, accommodations and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs, and refer a child now.