GREENSBURG, Ind. (October 2023): Being around animals brings Melissa great comfort. Her adoration of animals also inspires her dream of being a veterinarian when she grows up. She felt so at home at Blue Ridge Farms, spending time with their horses and rescue animals. She even got to groom a horse and take a riding lesson courtesy of Blue Ridge. It was also where Melissa found out that her dream was coming true. Kids Wish Network planned a special wish for this animal lover, sending Melissa to her happiest place with a walk on the wild side.    

Her family took a road trip for her elevated animal adventure in Indianapolis. One of her favorite experiences was at the Indianapolis Zoo. She spent time with a dolphin, and received an exclusive personal tour of its animal hospital. She shadowed a veterinarian, and helped to bandage an injured flamingo’s foot. Admission and the behind the scenes experience were provided by the Indianapolis Zoo. They also treated her family to lunch, and invited them to ZooBoo, its family friendly Halloween-themed event.

 Another memorable day was her time at the Indiana State Museum. Melissa loved the exhibits and her personal tour of the bone room with a paleontologist. She even saw a skeleton of a wooly mammoth. It was all so incredible. Their visit was courtesy of the museum.

Her family’s hotel stay at Le Méridien Indianapolis was also for the history books, with its original structure dating back to 1858. When they opened the door to their room, Melissa was delighted being surprised with streamers, balloons, and animal pictures that were thoughtfully personalized for her wish. Accommodations were courtesy of the hotel. They also enjoyed dining at Old Spaghetti Factory, The Weber Grill, and Lincoln Square Pancake House who all provided meals to further celebrate Melissa.

The wish was fun and educational. “She keeps talking about it, she just really enjoyed herself,” said mom Brandy. “I loved watching Melissa learn. You could just see it in her eyes.”

Even before Melissa was born, she was diagnosed with obstructive hydrocephalus. When she was a month old, she had a shunt surgically implanted into the base of her skull. At five years old, she began having seizures, and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Melissa undergoes physical and occupational therapies, and regularly sees a neurologist. She was also diagnosed with chromosomal abnormality.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Melissa without the help of Indianapolis Zoo

Indiana State Museum, LeMeridien Indianapolis, Old Spaghetti Factory, Weber Grill Restaurant,

Lincoln Square Pancake House, Briar Ridge Farm, 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.

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.