GRAND CANYON, Ariz. (July 2024): Paul was having dinner with his mom at Olive Garden for a celebration, but he didn’t know it. Not until staff came over and announced that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true, sending him on an adventurous trip to the Grand Canyon. Dinner was compliments of Olive Garden.

Kids Wish Network flew Paul and his mom to Flagstaff to begin his much anticipated visit to the Grand Canyon. It’s near the south rim of the Grand Canyon, an area that Paul was most excited to explore. He also wanted to literally step outside his comfort zone at the Sky Walk at Eagle Point. Visitors can take in the spectacular view from its horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the rim of the Grand Canyon. Paul and his mom had many memorable adventures taking in the breathtaking canyon landscape.

The Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel graciously provided his family’s stay, and it was wonderful being so close to the area’s tours and attractions. During the wish, they dined at The Red Raven Restaurant, located in Williams, a small and charming town in Arizona’s Pine Country. The historic Route 66 runs right through it. The restaurant provided his family with a gift card that they could use any time throughout the wish. The trip was filled with special moments creating lasting memories for Paul and his mom.

Paul began having seizures that started with an eye twitch and progressed to seizures going through his arm and leg. He was later diagnosed with focal and refractory epilepsy. Due to its location, surgery was not an option, and his last episode was his scariest, with 6 cluster seizures. His current medication is finally helping to control his condition. He continues to undergo therapy, and is working on recovery for brain fog and memory loss.   

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Paul without the help of Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel, Red Raven Restaurant, Olive Garden, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. 

Sponsors:

Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel

https://www.grandcanyonplaza.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwqf20BhBwEiwAt7dtdaIv_LNCvn-BotwOi2AOm0gIcaddYWtmuxL24F2EtO7WTWW3gm4IRBoC884QAvD_BwE

https://www.facebook.com/GrandCanyonPlaza?ref=ts

Olive Garden

https://www.olivegarden.com/home?cmpid=br:og_ag:ie_ch:ppc_pl:ad_ca:20779707115_adg:155245576003_adid:680835449980_kw:olive%20garden&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwqf20BhBwEiwAt7dtdafIhrJfOaOTB8msL0CRy7FcPJe9yjXR3yY0IcvZU8U8lcc5cfQ0shoCa_IQAvD_BwE

Red Raven Restaurant

https://www.redravenrestaurant.com/

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.