Girl with Rare Condition is Dazzled at DWTS

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (November 2018): Alivia McKay from Feeding Hills, Massachusetts, jet-setted cross country for a VIP experience at ABC’s Dancing with the Stars semi-finals. Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses, choreographed the perfect wish with Dancing with the Stars. 

Kids Wish Network flew Alivia and her dad to Los Angeles, where they stayed at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Just like the stars, she was chauffeured in a limo courtesy of First Class Limousine to Brambila Salon to have her hair styled and then to the show’s studio.

After arriving on the DWTS lot, Alivia and her dad were taken backstage to experience the behind-the-scenes production. Costume Supervisor Howard Sussman showed her how intricate and glamorous costumes are created. Alivia then went to Hair and Makeup, getting all glammed up alongside pro partner Lindsay Arnold. Afterward, she posed with dancers Hayley Erbert, Britt Stewart, Morgan Larson, and DWTS Junior’s celebrity Sky Brown. She also met Evanna Lynch of the Harry Potter series and was elated to spend time with her favorite celebrity Milo Manheim. 

At showtime, Alivia and her dad sat next to judge Carrie Ann Inaba, right in front of the dance floor. She felt special being center stage and appearing on TV when co-host Tom Bergeron spoke to the judges. Alivia was also surprised to receive a T-shirt and retired limited edition DWTS Barbie from her favorite show. 

“The dancing was incredible and everyone was so kind,” said Alivia’s dad Kevin. 

“My favorite part was seeing her so happy after going through such a difficult time and being treated like a princess.” Alivia has Parry-Romberg syndrome, a rare disease causing progressive deterioration of the soft tissue, bone, and muscle in half of her face. She also has inflammatory eye disease, which can lead to blindness. “The wish was a special and bonding time with her,” said her dad. “What you do changes lives.”

During the wish, Alivia and her dad also dined at P.F. Chang’s and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai said, “We’re so thankful to everyone at Dancing with the Stars for being so gracious and always providing amazing wishes for our kids.”

“I had such a wonderful time,” said Alivia. “Thank you so much for my wish.”

Her experience further inspires her own talent for dance and is a reminder that her brightest dreams can come true. 

Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides trip expenses, meals, accommodations, and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs, and find out how you can help make dreams come true and sponsor a wish for a deserving child.

Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about the different programs.