Wish Adventures Leave Sidelines in the Dust
OZARK, Ark. (August 2023): Leland’s condition makes it physically impossible for him to join in on all the same activities as his siblings and friends. It’s been very difficult for him, and he often struggles with the feeling of having to sit on the sidelines. Leland’s inner adventurer longed to get out and play just like everyone else, so Kids Wish Network sent this thrill seeker for an afternoon of mudding in a UTV. It was a very memorable way to celebrate the reveal of his wish.
With the help of many Rockcrawlers 4x4 Club members, Leland was able to experience all the adrenaline pumping action of taking on the trails at Byrd’s Adventure Center. He and his family were passengers in the all-terrain vehicles, and the club made them feel a part of the crew with custom shirts, as well as a hat for Leland. “We actually let him pick which vehicle he wanted to ride in, and he picked the green Jeep,” said Mike Perkins, President of the Rockcrawlers Club. “Every time we saw him he was smiling and giving us a thumbs up.” It was so incredible for Leland to be a part of all the action, the sidelines were now just a blur in the rear-view mirror left behind in the dust.
After riding for hours, Leland received a big surprise at the attraction’s Riverfront Restaurant. Perkins shared that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true, giving him even more adventures with a travel package for his ultimate beach getaway. His wish included generous Pack & Go eGift cards that can be used for lodging, airfare, gas and food. Kids Wish Network also provided the means to cover trip incidentals, and Domino’s gift Cards. After the amazing news, Leland’s celebration continued with dinner provided by Byrd’s Adventure Center. Leland has so much to look forward to, and is so excited for his upcoming family getaway.
When Leland was a toddler, he became very ill and was hospitalized for several weeks as he underwent tests to pinpoint the cause of his high fever and elevated liver enzymes. He was finally diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most severe form of MD that causes weakness and progressive skeletal and heart muscle degeneration. Leland now relies on a wheelchair to get around, and undergoes physical, occupational and speech therapies. He recently had a major spinal surgery.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Leland without the help of Byrd’s Adventure Center, Rockcrawlers 4x4 Club, 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.