TANEYTOWN, Md. (April 2024): Natalie’s most blissful moments are when she’s playing outdoors, she especially adores the tree swing out back of her family’s home. After getting to know her, the singular swing that gets a lot of play time became the inspiration for Natalie’s wish and backyard transformation. Kids Wish Network made Natalie’s dream come true, surprising her with an adventure filled Gorilla playset to level up her outdoor fun.

When the special delivery arrived at her home, officers of the Taneytown Police Department, and staff from the Department of Public Works graciously lended a helping hand to assemble the cedar wood playset. They were also there to celebrate the big reveal when Natalie saw it for the first time. She explored the play structure with a gaping smile, and warmed all hearts gliding down the slide and victoriously jumping for joy. 

The Gorilla playset has swings, a trapeze bar with rings, rock climbing wall, wavy slides, deck, sandbox, and accessories to captivate her imagination. Having many double features, it’s the perfect playground playdate for shared giggles with friends and her little sister. Many happy memories will be made.

Natalie’s childhood haven is only steps from her family’s home, yet it feels like a world away from the hundreds of medical appointments that she undergoes each year. Natalie suffers from a life-threatening diagnosis caused by two grade 4 brain hemorrhages that occurred a couple weeks before she was born. Despite the odds, she miraculously survived birth, but suffered brain damage. She has post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, epilepsy, and visual impairment. At five weeks old, she underwent her first of three brain surgeries for a shunt placement. Her medical testing and treatments continue, including multiple therapies.   

PlayNation generously discounted the Gorilla playset for Kids Wish Network to purchase. Santoni’s Marketplace and Catering donated lunch for all the volunteers who came together to assemble the playset of her dreams.

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Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Natalie without the help of PlayNation, Santoni’s Marketplace and Catering, 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.