ORLANDO, Fla. (January 2024): Garry and his family were at their hometown’s Sugar Creek Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting, getting into full holiday mode with all the festivities. The lights, cozy ambience and magical feeling of the holiday season was the perfect time for Garry to receive his very special surprise. Mayor Mike Larson called Garry’s family to the stage to reveal that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true, sending them to Disney World and Universal Studios!

The mayor further celebrated Garry with special recognition, making him an Honorary Sugar Creek Citizen. Union Station Kansas City also gifted his family tickets for their spectacular Holiday Reflections event, Bricktionary interactive LEGO exhibit, and innovative hands-on Science City attraction. It was an amazing night, and he still had so much fun to look forward to. 

Kids Wish Network flew Garry’s family to Orlando for his wish trip filled with new adventures. Their multi-day Disney park hopper passes enabled them to visit their choice of parks. Garry’s favorite moments at the Magic Kingdom were riding The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and meeting so many of his favorite characters. His mom’s fondest memory was seeing their kids’ expressions at the Magic Kingdom. They met so many characters and adored the parade. Garry also had fun at EPCOT, he especially enjoyed The Seas with Nemo & Friends ride, and seeing all the aquatic life at the SeaBase aquarium. Other highlights were exploring all the animal habitats at Animal Kingdom, Garry was most excited about the rhinos.

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure were also amazing to experience for the first time. There were so many incredible rides and shows to transport Garry into some of his favorite worlds. He especially loved meeting Blue from Jurassic World, Spiderman, a minion, and King Julien from Madagascar.

Garry’s family also had fabulous dinners at Terralina Crafted Italian, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, and Red Robin. The restaurants all provided his family’s meals, and were attentive in making his dining experiences memorable.

Accommodations were courtesy of Home2 Suites Orlando International Drive. The hotel went above and beyond surprising Garry’s family with decadent snack baskets in their room, and generously extending their stay an additional night when their flight was canceled due to a winter storm back home.  

“We appreciate everything that you all have done to make this possible,” said his mom Katie to Kids Wish Network. “Without you, it never would have happened.” She’s also grateful for all their wonderful sponsors who came together to make it a worry-free getaway.

Garry undergoes monthly infusions for hypogammaglobulinemia, a condition that affects his body’s ability to fight infection. He also has specific antibody deficiency, and dysautonomia, a group of disorders affecting the autonomic nervous system. He is unable to regulate his heart rate, body temperature, breathing, and oxygen levels. He may need a major surgery in the future.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Garry without the help of Home2 Suites Orlando International Drive, Universal, Terralina Crafted Italian, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Red Robin, The Town of Sugar Creek, Union Station Kansas City, 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.