ORLANDO, Fla. (April 2024): Elijah’s birthday celebration at Epic Fun Park in Fayetteville, North Carolina, revealed a very magical wish come true. His biggest present was finding out that Kids Wish Network was sending him on a trip to Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando! Epic Fun Park provided a private party room and playtime for his big day. It was a birthday to remember, and he still had his wish trip to look forward to.

Kids Wish Network flew Elijah’s family for his fun-filled Florida adventure. They created so many treasured memories, and many come to mind like Elijah riding the train at Animal Kingdom, enjoying all the wonders of the Magic Kingdom, the Harry Potter ride at Universal, watching the fireworks at EPCOT, and their time at LEGOLAND. Universal provided admission passes for his family, and LEGOLAND passes were courtesy of Merlin’s Magic Wand. They maximized every minute of fun, going to seven theme parks!

Dining was also memorable at Café Tu Tu Tango, Bahama Breeze, First Watch, and Ruby Tuesday.

Tu Tu Tango had fun entertainment with a Michael Jackson impersonator, and gifted Elijah Spiderman toys. The staff at Bahama Breeze was so kind and attentive to Elijah, and he loved the quesadillas at Ruby Tuesday. First Watch went above and beyond giving him a themed gift box that included a cookbook, and a manager surprised his family with donut bites, a special treat that’s not even on their menu. All of the restaurants helped celebrate Elijah, donating his family’s meals.

His family stayed at Holiday Inn & Suites across from Universal Orlando, and enjoyed two rooms generously provided by the hotel. Elijah loved having his own bed and sharing a room with his brother. His mom loved having so much space.

“My favorite moment was seeing him sitting on the plane and watching him look out the window,” said his mom Ashley. “It was his first time on a plane, and it was like all his cares just kind of went away. Elijah’s wish has been beyond our wildest dreams. This has been something that has really brought some light, sunshine and happiness and joy into our lives.”

Elijah has congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11-beta-hydroxylase deficiency, where his adrenal glands don’t produce cortisol, a necessity for regulating his hormones. It also caused him to have rapid bone aging, and hip dysplasia, so he’s had surgery on both of his hips. Elijah is on continual treatments of hydrocortisone tablets for cortisol production, and undergoes physical therapy to assist with his walking.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Elijah without the help of Universal, Merlin’s Magic Wand, Holiday Inn & Suites, First Watch, Tu Tu Tango, Bahama Breeze, Ruby Tuesday, Epic Fun Park, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.

Sponsors:

Epic Fun Park

https://epicfunpark.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/epicfunpark 

IG: epicfunpark

Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Universal Orlando, an IHG Hotel

https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/orlando/mcous/hoteldetail 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/HolidayInnOrlando/ 

IG: hiuniversalhotel 

Café Tu Tu Tango

https://www.cafetututango.com/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/CafeTuTuTango/ 

IG: cafe_tu_tu_tango 

Bahama Breeze Grand National

https://www.bahamabreeze.com/locations/fl/orlando/orlando-grand-national/3061 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/BahamaBreeze/ 

IG: bahamabreezeislandgrille 

First Watch 

https://firstwatch.com/locations/kirkman-road/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/FWKirkmanRoad/ 

IG: firstwatch

Ruby Tuesday

https://www.rubytuesday.com/locations/cypress-gardens/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/rubytuesday/ 

IG: rubytuesday 

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.