PUEBLO, Colo. (June 2021): Kaylee thought she was just heading to the mall to window shop with her family and a friend. She was in for a big surprise! Instead, they detoured to the movie theater, where Kaylee began to wonder what was going on. “I was thinking it’s not my birthday, why is everyone acting so strange, and why all this attention was on me,” Kaylee recalled with a big smile. 

Her mom told the manager they were there for a private party. It was actually a personal screening for her family and friend to see the new summer dance musical In the Heights, courtesy of Cinemark Tinseltown Pueblo. Kaylee was so surprised and thrilled, especially when her Nana unexpectedly showed up, driving nearly two hours to be a part of her special day. The manager called Kaylee to the front of the auditorium. In front of her loved ones, they told Kaylee that Kids Wish Network was making her dream come true!

Kids Wish Network purchased Kaylee a bevy of gift cards to all her favorite stores for a once-in-a-lifetime shopping spree at Hot Topic, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. She also received a gift card for eBay to finally get the vintage Rainbow Brite doll she’s been wanting for so long, just like the doll her mom used to have. Kaylee was so excited, and hit the mall right after the movie to shop for all the things she’s been dreaming of having. She even thoughtfully picked out gifts for her best friend, and will be getting something special for her sisters to show her appreciation for all their help this past year. It was a memorable day shared with her biggest fans who continually support her through her medical challenges.

Kaylee struggles with seizures and focal epilepsy, and it’s especially difficult being a teen with many restrictions that limit her activities and independence. “Thank you to Kids Wish Network and everyone involved in making her wish come true,” said her mom Annette. “It was nice to just see her be a normal teen for a couple days and not have to worry about her illness.” 

Many Thanks

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Kaylee without the help of Cinemark Tinseltown Pueblo, 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.