California Dreaming… Wish Kid Celebrated VIP Style
ANAHEIM, Calif. - Audrey was at Color Me Mine Las Vegas with her family, and didn’t suspect anything while painting her special creation. That was until there was an announcement, and all eyes were on Audrey. A staffer announced that Kids Wish Network was making her dream come true, sending her to Disneyland, Universal and the American Girl store! Then came the tears. The celebration continued at home with a Lilo and Stitch theme cake donated by Smith’s Las Vegas, and she was also gifted a bobble head and shirt from her favorite team the Chicago Cubs. After the reveal, her mom Kenna said, “She had such a great time and loved the whole experience. We all cried. She keeps telling me how excited she is.”
Kids Wish Network flew her family to California, and their memorable getaway began at Disney California Adventure Park. Out of all the rides, Audrey’s favorite was the Incredicoaster, which she bravely rode in the front row. After all the family fun, they headed back to their resort, The Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center, who surprised her with gifts and balloons in their room. The hotel generously provided accommodations for Audrey’s wish.
Their day at Disneyland felt so magical experiencing the iconic rides and all the special attention that Audrey received. Her time there was extraordinarily elevated by Disneyland who gave her the most memorable VIP experience. She was greeted by Disneyland ambassadors dressed as Tiana characters, and given an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a new attraction that wasn’t yet open to the public. Audrey even got to ride it! She also met Tiana, and the Disneyland ambassadors also escorted her to Tiana’s Palace, where she had one of her favorite desserts, freshly made beignets. She was gifted a beautiful Princess Tiana Mickey ear headband, a Nightmare Before Christmas shoulder pal, and her brother felt special receiving a hat. Audrey also met many other Disney Princesses and her favorite classic characters. Another unforgettable day was at Universal getting to experience the immersive Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions. Her family created so many meaningful memories at the theme parks.
Audrey’s VIP treatment continued at the American Girl Doll Store - Los Angeles. She was given an exclusive shopping experience before the store even opened, and they had a big surprise for Audrey. She got to choose her very own American Girl doll and accessory, along with additional presents for Audrey and her mom! Her family was also treated to lunch at the American Girl Café, and they even surprised Audrey with an ice cream cake for her upcoming birthday. She felt like the luckiest girl, it was an amazing visit.
During the wish, her family dined at Lazy Dog Restaurant and NBC Sports Grill & Brew, with her family’s dinners donated by the restaurants. They were also invited to dine at Calaca Mamas Cantina.
“It was a really good experience for her and she was genuinely happy,” said her mom. “It’s an experience you don’t get to have very often, especially where somebody is just focused on you and it’s not medical related. Everyone was so so kind and so sweet and the reason it was so impactful.”
Before Audrey’s diagnosis, she had a severe GI infection and needed a blood transfusion. Shortly after she began getting bad rashes, became sun intolerant, and developed a heat/cold intolerance. Audrey’s symptoms progressed into severe leg and joint pains, swelling, and muscle deterioration. It got to the point where she could no longer walk from the debilitating agony. She went through a variety of testing, and was finally diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the skin, blood vessels and muscles. She takes chemotherapy medication, has monthy IVIG infusions, and undergoes physical, occupational and water therapies.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Audrey without the help of Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center, American Girl Doll Store- Los Angeles, Disney, Universal, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Lazy Dog Restaurant, Chicago Cubs, Color Me Mine Las Vegas, Smith’s (Flamingo Rd. location in Las Vegas) and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. Also special thanks to Calaca Mamas Cantina for their support.
Sponsors:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/colormeminelasvegas
IG: @cmmlasvegas
X: @cmmlasvegas
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmithsLasVegasNV20/
IG: @mysmithsgrocery
X: @MySmithsGrocery
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Cubs/
IG: @cubs
X: @cubs
Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center
FB: https://www.facebook.com/hyatthouseanaheimresort/
IG: @hyatthouse_anaheim
X: @hyatt
FB: https://www.facebook.com/calacamamascantina/
IG: @calacamamascantina
FB: https://www.facebook.com/LazyDogOrange/
IG: @lazydogrestaurants
American Girl Doll Store- Los Angeles
FB: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanGirlLA/
IG: @americangirlbrand
X: @American_Girl
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.