Hannah Hedke loves synchronized ice skating and strives to qualify for the Olympics one day. Her wish was to meet one of her ice skating idols, and Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses, made Hannah’s dream come true. Olympic figure skater Bradie Tennell, a local to the Buffalo Grove area, teamed up with Kids Wish Network to set up a special surprise skate session for Hannah. She suffers from a life-threatening condition.

Hannah was in for a wonderful surprise when she arrived at the Buffalo Grove Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion, she had no idea who was there to meet her. She was astonished when she saw Bradie Tennell. When they met, Hannah gave her a Kids Wish Network Wish Granter ribbon medallion which she said was a thoughtful and cute gift. Hannah loved skating with her idol, practicing different moves like twizzles and the spread eagle while Tennell gave her advice on form and technique. At the end of their skate session, Tennell signed Hannah’s ice skates. 

But Hannah wasn’t the only one learning new things. After their talk about synchronized ice and figure skating, Hannah gave Tennell a new appreciation for synchronized skating and just how difficult it can be. On behalf of Kids Wish Network, Tennell also presented Hannah with a gift card to Rainbo Skate Shop that she could use to shop for new ice skates and other accessories.

“Hannah’s wish further inspires her to follow her dreams and we are incredibly grateful to Bradie Tennell for making Hannah’s meaningful wish so special,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai. 

• 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.