BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (December 2023): Dinner at The Blue Moose Bar & Grill in East Grand Forks was the perfect setting to surprise Tristan that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true. The owner, management and staff were so excited to share the news that his family was going to experience an adventure in the great indoors at the Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington. Before his visit to the restaurant, they found out how much he adores pigs, and kindly gave him some pig themed gifts. Dinner for his family was graciously donated by the restaurant.

Tristan’s stay at the Great Wolf Lodge was packed with family fun. Some of the highlights were experiencing its massive indoor water park with lots of play zones and twisting tube slides. He also loved the arcade and bowling, and felt so special receiving gifts as happy mementos of his stay. He got to choose his own magic wand from the MagiQuest Marketplace, made the mascot Wiley Riley plush at the Build-A-Bear Workshop, and created his own personalized candy mix at the Great Wolf Candy Company. Tristan also met the resort’s mascot Wiley Wolf and even Santa! While close to home, it felt so far away from all the medical stresses and doctor appointments that Tristan regularly copes with. It was a very special time of fun adventures and family togetherness. “My favorite part was spending quality time without any distractions,” said his mom Nicole. His family’s stay was generously provided by the Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington. 

Tristan has gone through so much after his diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta, a narrowing of the aorta.  He’s had multiple surgeries, and has to travel to see his doctors which are seven hours away, staying for an extended period of time with many appointments each day. Tristan also undergoes occupational, feeding, and speech therapies.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Tristan without the help of Great Wolf Lodge, The Blue Moose Bar & Grill, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs.

Kids Wish Network has been making dreams come true for children since 1997. We are dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children experiencing life-altering situations. We started with the single purpose of granting wishes to children suffering from life-threatening conditions but have since created additional programs to benefit kids nationwide, including Hero of the Month, Project Toy Drop, Holiday of Hope Gift Banks, and A Child Forever Funeral Assistance. 

Every kid’s wish is worth the investment because every wish changes a life.

If you would like to sponsor a child’s wish, or if you know a child who is suffering from a life-threatening illness and may be in need of Kids Wish Network’s wish-granting services, please call 727-789-0008.