California Wish Celebrates Love, Family and Cancer Victory

ANAHEIM, Calif. (January 2024): Joshua was at California Pizza Kitchen to indulge in pizza, one of his all-time favorite foods. He quickly became the center of attention when his server asked him to stand on his chair. She announced that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true, sending his family to Disneyland and Universal Studios! Joshua was so surprised. The restaurant also celebrated Joshua providing his family’s meals for his wish reveal, and kindly gifted him a chef apron and generous California Pizza Kitchen gift card so he could come back. San Diego Natural History Museum also honored Joshua gifting his family tickets to explore all their fascinating exhibits. It was a very exciting lunch to remember with so much to look forward to.

Joshua’s wish trip began when they checked in to the Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort. They showered him with gifts in his hotel room surprising him with a Bluey toy, Mickey Mouse plush, and baby Yoda blanket. They even had gifts for his brother. Their room was more than just a place to sleep. It had panoramic views of Disneyland, providing the most spectacular view of the magical fireworks at night. Their accommodations were generously provided by the hotel. 

Disneyland and California Adventure Park were even more amazing than Joshua imagined. He met so many characters, and the handlers made his time very special. Moana escorted Joshua’s family around the park for 30 minutes, taking them on an adventure to find Maui. It’s a treasured memory for his mom Erin. Joshua was most excited about meeting Mickey and Minnie. It was also incredible not having to wait in any lines. “We would flash his wish lanyard, and they would bring us in through the exit,” gushed his dad Cody. “We never waited. Not once did we wait in a line.” 

There were so many firsts. At Universal Studios he rode Flight of the Hippogriff, his first roller coaster ever! He was fearless. This thrill seeker now wanted to ride them all.

The restaurants on his wish trip were also amazing. Duke’s Huntington Beach gifted Joshua merchandise and a big basket full of dinosaur gifts for him and his brother. Joshua adores dinosaurs.

Buca di Beppo Universal City Walk surprised Joshua with a massive Buca Brownie Sundae. Saddle Ranch was also a fun and memorable dinner, and Joshua was smitten with the giant cotton candy tower dessert. It was an indulgent night. “He had cotton candy in one hand, and a Mountain Dew in the other,” joked his dad. They also gifted his family hats and shirts. BJ’s Restaurant was also a meal to remember. All of the restaurants graciously donated the family’s meals.

They’ll also be receiving tickets to LEGOLAND, courtesy of Merlin’s Magic Wand for a future visit. 

Joshua was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that originates from immature nerve cells. He was not expected to live until his second birthday, and was hospitalized for six months. Joshua was intubated due to his dangerous heart rate, and placed in a coma for a month. He’s been through seven rounds of chemo, and is now in remission.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Joshua without the help of Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort, Universal Studios California, Merlin’s Magic Wand, San Diego Natural History Museum, Saddle Ranch Chop House, BJ’s Restaurant, Duke’s Huntington Beach, Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. 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.