Surprise is the Cherry on Top of Sweet Dream Coming True
ORLANDO, Fla. (August 2023): David was so happy to be at Millie’s Homemade, a nostalgic old-fashioned ice cream parlor in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. It’s his favorite treat, and this visit was extra sweet and sprinkled with big surprises.
The cherry on top was finding out that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true, sending him on an Orlando adventure to Disney, Universal Studios and LEGOLAND! The shop owner was so happy to give David the scoop on his dreaming coming true, and she also sweetened the celebration gifting him free ice cream for life. Through the generosity of additional kind donors, she also procured and gave him game tickets for the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and Riverhounds, family memberships for the Pittsburgh Zoo and Science Center, and a swag bag by Steel City Cotton. It was a very memorable day, and the beginning of so much to look forward to.
It was time to embark on David’s dream trip, and it was very exciting having Kids Wish Network fly his family to Florida. He was even treated like a VIP on his flight, getting to announce that his wish was coming true on the loudspeaker, and receiving airlines pins and special snacks.
David loved all the theme parks, especially the rides. Highlights were riding Guardians of the Galaxy at EPCOT, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal Orlando, and the rollercoasters at LEGOLAND. Passes for Universal Orlando were provided by the theme park, and LEGOLAND admission for his family was courtesy of Merlin’s Magic Wand.
The restaurants were also unforgettable. They dined at Sugar Factory Orlando where David got to pick out candies and a water bottle as special souvenirs, and Glory Days Grill brought David extra ice cream and his favorite ice cream sandwiches. They also enjoyed celebrating at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and Hash a Go Go. All of the restaurants went out of their way to make his wish extra special, and graciously provided his family’s meals.
TRYP by Wyndham Orlando generously donated beautiful accommodations for the wish. David adored the bunk beds, and everything about his stay.
There were so many memorable moments throughout his getaway. His mom Diane said he felt like everyone knew him and treated him so special. It also meant the world to her, seeing him smile so much, and experiencing all the joy of his sweetest dreams.
David has Wolfram-like syndrome, a rare progressive multisystemic condition, characterized by optic atrophy, hearing loss, endocrinopathies, growth issues, neurodegeneration and further complications. He’s undergone extensive testing, treatments, and sees many specialists. David utilizes a feeding tube, and needs multiple medications. His eyesight is also now impaired from his condition.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to David without the help of TRYP by Wyndham Orlando, Universal Orlando, Merlin’s Magic Wand, Sugar Factory Orlando, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Hash House a Go Go, Glory Days Grill, Millie’s Homemade, 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.