Kids Wish Network Honors Life and Loving Memory of Cancer Warrior
RIALTO, Calif. (December 2023): Nathan was battling a brain tumor, so having a wish come true was very meaningful after coping with all the surgeries, ongoing treatments and hospital stays. More than anything, Nathan longed to go to Disneyland to do all the “fun stuff” and meet Mickey Mouse. Although the Happiest Place on Earth wasn’t far from where he lives, it seemed like a world away with everything that he was going through. Kids Wish Network planned a personalized wish for this sweet boy, and was so excited to surprise him with the most magical trip of a lifetime to Disneyland and Universal Studios. His family would also be staying at a beautiful hotel, enjoying restaurants serving his favorite foods, and experiencing all the fun he was dreaming of at the parks. He’d be going on his getaway once he completed his three rounds of chemotherapy, and it was going to be the biggest celebration ever!
Amid his treatments, Nathan had a birthday. It was a precious milestone. To make it extra special, Kids Wish Network sent him LEGO sets and cheerful get well wishes. His wish trip was also getting closer.
A little over a month passed when the unthinkable happened. Pneumonia set in as he was undergoing his second round of aggressive chemo, and his health rapidly declined. Nathan sadly passed away just a few weeks before his wish came true.
Kids Wish Network was also there for his family on their journey of healing. Nathan was honored through its A Child Forever funeral assistance program, helping his family with final expenses. His two brothers also received special gift packages with gift cards through its Hero of the Month program, giving them something positive to focus on during their difficult time. His family will still be receiving passes for Disney, Universal Studios Hollywood courtesy of the theme park, and LEGOLAND provided by Merlin’s Magic Wand for them to use in the future. It will be a meaningful way to celebrate Nathan’s life and loving memory.
Before Nathan’s diagnosis, he appeared healthy until an extreme headache. It turned out to be a symptom of Ewing sarcoma, a rare type of bone or soft tissue cancer. The location of the brain tumor made it difficult to operate, and it also spread to his spine. His eye was also swollen from the tumor pressing against it. Nathan underwent four surgeries, was put on steroids, and a medication for seizures. Chemo began, but his tumor continued to grow. He then underwent an aggressive chemo plan, but his health was quickly overtaken by the cancer.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network is so grateful to all the kind and generous sponsors who offered to make Nathan’s wish so special including the Hilton Anaheim, Miceli’s, Casa de Pancho Mexican Grill & Cantina, Louie’s by the Bay, BJ’s Restaurant, Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch, Universal, and Merlin’s Magic Wand. Kids Wish Network could also not have provided assistance to Nathan’s family without the help of 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.