At only five months old, Kylie underwent an invasive procedure for a heart issue. When she was a toddler, doctors discovered she had a genetic disorder preventing normal development throughout her body. Challenges continued in the years ahead. Kylie stopped talking after a strep infection and was diagnosed with a rare syndrome and anxiety disorder. Further testing revealed she had even more conditions that cause neurologic abnormalities, ultimately leading to a major surgery. While her life is overwhelmed with challenges, she doesn’t let them keep her down. Even when she’s frustrated, she is persistent in figuring out how to do tasks on her own. Her bubbling confidence earned her the nickname Smiley Kylie. She was nominated by her mom who is continually inspired by her determination and strong will in not giving up. She said, “Kylie has given a lot of people hope and motivation with her fighting spirit.” Kids Wish Network is happy to award Kylie as a Hero.

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.