COLUMBIA, Mo. (December 2023): There was a knock at the door, and a big surprise awaiting Brielle. A Walmart manager and associate dressed in sparkly pink Barbie attire came to her home with amazing news to share. Brielle found out that Kids Wish Network was making her dream come true, sending her on a Walmart shopping spree! They also gifted Brielle her own personalized Walmart badge, and made her feel like a princess with cupcakes, a pink purse, sunglasses, a princess wand and tiara. She was beaming.

Brielle continued to feel special on her big day. There was much anticipation as her family waited outside the Walmart for what she thought was final preparations. Her attention was diverted as two firetrucks from the Columbia, MO Fire Department pulled in with their sirens blaring. Brielle exclaimed, “Is this a parade?” Getting a closer look, she noticed Santa sitting inside one of the firetrucks. “What in the world?!?!” questioned Brielle as Santa descended the stairs. Her confusion turned to wonder as he presented Santa hats and bags of gifts to her and her brothers. It was an exciting beginning to her once-in-a-lifetime shopping wish. 

Once inside, she was greeted by a festive balloon arch with a photo backdrop and stockings hanging for Brielle and her brothers with even more gifts including bath towels featuring their favorite characters. The festivities and gifts were kindly provided by Walmart. And then her shopping extravaganza began. It was an amazing feeling filling up her cart with all the things she’d been wanting. She was most excited about the Hello Kitty Food Truck that was already number one on her list before even stepping foot in the store. Brielle also thoughtfully included her brothers, making sure she picked out gifts for them as well. Walmart went above and beyond to give Brielle an amazing and memorable experience. The incredible shopping spree was a team effort provided by a grant from the Columbia, Missouri Walmart on West Broadway, and funding from Kids Wish Network. 

Then it was time for a celebratory lunch at Texas Roadhouse. Her family was once again overwhelmed with all the attentive treatment and kindness. The manager was also touched by Brielle and being a part of her wish experience. There were many happy tears. Texas Roadhouse provided the family’s meals, and had another top-secret surprise. After Brielle’s family left the restaurant, they were called back because Brielle forgot something. That something turned out to be an electric ride-on pink convertible gifted to her from the restaurant! Brielle was all smiles driving her new wheels out the door.

The joy, kindness and connections felt throughout Brielle’s wish will stay with her as she continues on her evolving medical journey. Brielle struggles with a seizure disorder, experiencing multiple types including febrile episodes that last 3 to 4 minutes. She also copes with sleep apnea, asthma, and additional health complications.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Brielle without the help of Walmart Supercenter (West Broadway in Columbia, MO), Texas Roadhouse (Columbia, MO), the Columbia, MO Fire Department, 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.