Clearwater Beach Getaway is Cancer Survivor’s Salt Life Paradise
CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. (July 2024): Reece loves dolphins and beach life, so Kids Wish Network made his dream come true, flying his family to sunny Florida for a memorable stay on Clearwater Beach. The sugar-white sand, swaying palm trees, beautiful ocean waters and stunning sunsets created a postcard perfect setting for Reece’s salt life getaway.
After arriving in Florida, their first taste of paradise was dinner at Rumba Island Bar and Grill, enjoying authentic island cuisine with a fun and tropical ambience. It was the perfect first stop, embracing the feeling of full on vacation mode. Dinner was courtesy of Rumba.
After dinner, his family arrived at Courtyard Clearwater Beach, a beautiful waterfront hotel located on a marina. Reece especially loved their pool located on the hotel’s second floor with scenic views of the beach. Their accommodations were generously provided by the hotel.
After a restful night’s sleep, they woke up to sunshine, ocean breezes, and what Reece had been waiting for. It was time to explore marine life and see dolphins! They visited the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Reece loved every moment of their exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of sea life, and getting to interact with the aquarium’s dolphins. “We fed Nicholas fish, and we got a picture with him jumping,” said Reece. His most special memory was having a dolphin jump up and touch his hand. His magical moments were skillfully captured in photos by aquarium staff, and these treasured memories will always evoke a smile. Reece and his siblings were also gifted plush dolphins as souvenirs. His family’s admission and experiences were graciously provided by Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
It was an epic day, and Reece was further celebrated that night with dinner at the Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill and Bar. His special treatment continued with attentive service, and meeting the general manager who invited his family to pick out mementos at the restaurant’s gift shop. His family all chose T-shirts. Dinners and souvenirs were compliments of Palm Pavilion.
The next morning, Reece’s family had breakfast at Clear Sky Café, and spent the day relaxing on the beach and swimming at their hotel. Dinner was at the Salty Crab North Beach, and Reece said his burger was one of the best he’s ever had. Their evening continued with a special family experience to remember, a sunset cruise on the Clearwater Encounter with Dolphins tour. They saw dolphins, explored Compass Island, learned about Clearwater’s wildlife and history, and were immersed in the beauty of a fiery Florida sunset. Clear Sky and Salty Crab graciously donated his family’s meals, and Clearwater Encounter with Dolphins kindly provided his family’s tour.
Reece’s family photos and memories can always take him back to his happy days in paradise.
Shortly before his diagnosis, Reece appeared pale and didn’t have his usual energy. Testing revealed the unthinkable. Reece was diagnosed with leukemia. He underwent six months of intense chemotherapy, and endured bone marrow tests and spinal taps. Life felt so different, especially having to be homeschooled and away from his friends. His chemo was successful, and Reece is in remission and continues to be monitored. He’s happy to be back at school, and living his life without all the restrictions of his treatments.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Reece without the help of Courtyard Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins, Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar, Salty Crab North Beach, Clear Sky Café’, Rumba Island Bar and Grill, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.
Sponsors:
Rumba Island Bar & Grill
https://www.facebook.com/RumbaIslandBarandGrill/
https://www.instagram.com/rumba.bar.grill/?hl=en
Courtyard Clearwater Beach
https://www.facebook.com/marriottbonvoy
https://www.instagram.com/marriottbonvoy/
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterMarineAquarium
https://www.instagram.com/cmaquarium/
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar
https://www.facebook.com/PalmPavilion1926/
https://www.instagram.com/palmpavilion/
Clear Sky Cafe
https://www.facebook.com/clearskybeachcafe/
https://www.instagram.com/clearskycafe/?hl=en
Salty Crab North Beach
https://saltycrabnorthbeach.com/
https://www.facebook.com/saltycrabnorthbeach/
https://www.instagram.com/saltycrabnorthbeach/
Encounters With Dolphins
https://encounterswithdolphins.com/
https://www.facebook.com/encounterwithdolphins
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.