California Wish Brings Adventure, Family Fun and Treasured Memories
ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 2024): Zion was all smiles during his California getaway. Kids Wish Network made his dream come true, flying his family to Anaheim for his unforgettable wish trip that expanded his world of adventure and kindness.
It was so amazing for Zion to experience theme parks for the first time, and his Wish Kid status made it even more exciting. Disney California Adventure Park and Universal Studios Hollywood provided his family with special passes to bypass waiting in line for rides, and Zion received a lot of extra attention from characters, especially after they noticed his Kids Wish Network button. Zion also loved LEGOLAND’S colorful life-size LEGO sculptures, and going to SEA LIFE Aquarium where he was able to see all the fish and sea creatures at eye level from his stroller. They made many family memories, and will always have their treasured photos to bring them back to these happiest of times.
Zion’s dining experiences were also memorable. Some highlights were the decadent over the top themed shakes piled high with layered desserts at the Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer, the attentive service and kindness at the Black Angus Steakhouse, their server at The Bluewater Grill who warmly greeted Zion with a hug and knew all about him, and the hospitality at Naples Ristorante E Bar. His family’s meals were graciously provided by the restaurants. Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch was also a supportive sponsor of Zion’s wish.
Hotel Fera Anaheim, a DoubleTree by Hilton, generously donated adjoining rooms for Zion’s stay.
Zion had a difficult birth, and was born with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow. He also has cerebral palsy. Zion is very susceptible to viruses, and his most recent illness caused a high fever and collapsed lung. He wasn’t expected to survive, but Zion thankfully pulled through. His wish was a much-needed time of family togetherness.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Zion without the help of Hotel Fera Anaheim, a DoubleTree by Hilton, Naples Ristorante E Bar (Anaheim), Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer (Anaheim), Black Angus Steakhouse (Santa Ana and Burbank), Bluewater Grill (Carlsbad), Merlin’s Magic Wand (admission to LEGOLAND AND SEA LIFE Aquarium), Universal (admission), and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. Also special thanks to Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch for their support.
Sponsors:
Hotel Fera Anaheim, Doubletree by Hilton
Naples Ristorante E Bar
https://www.patinagroup.com/naples-ristorante-e-bar
https://www.facebook.com/naplesristorante/
https://www.instagram.com/Naples_Ristorante/
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer
https://blacktap.com/location/anaheim/
https://www.facebook.com/blacktapanaheim
https://www.instagram.com/blacktapanaheim/
Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch
https://www.facebook.com/Huckleberrysrestaurant
https://www.instagram.com/huckleberrysrestaurant/
Black Angus Steakhouse Santa Ana
https://blackangus.com/store/1039
Bluewater Grill
https://www.bluewatergrill.com/location/carlsbad/
https://www.instagram.com/bluewatergrill/
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.