Wish Brings Elevated Fun, Magic and Memories
ORLANDO, Fla. (October 2023): Turner was playing at Sky Zone trampoline park when he heard his name over the loud speaker. He was called to the counter, and a crowd formed to find out what was happening. It was all part of a big surprise for Turner. At that moment, he found out that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true, sending him to Disney World and Universal in Florida! Sky Zone further celebrated his big news, gifting his family a Super Pass for 10 more jump sessions, and The Children’s Museum of the Shoals also donated a one-year membership for his family as a special gift. It was a big day for Turner. When he woke up from his nap he said, “I can’t believe I get to go to Disney World mama!”
Turner’s family was flown to Orlando by Kids Wish Network. Their first day of fun at Universal Orlando was elevated with special Fast Passes to bypass the lines. “We pretty much would walk to the ride, go through a back door, and be on the ride,” said his mom April. The following day they went to Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. The family’s admission to the parks was courtesy of Universal. Other highlights of the trip were going to Disney World and Hollywood Studios. Turner was so adventurous and reveled in all the fast rides. His mom said, “We did every ride at every park that Turner was able to do.”
The restaurants went above and beyond to make his wish extraordinarily special. In addition to the memorable dinners, Bahama Breeze also generously gifted Turner a goodie bag and a Darden gift card for future dining, and Olive Garden showed over the top kindness with Mickey Mouse decorations on his table and lots of gifts including a Ninja Turtles costume, tabletop pinball machine, poster, pen, and a Mickey Mouse ball. With so many amazing gifts, his family almost needed another suitcase to bring it all home. They also raved about their dinner at Chuy’s, saying it was the best chicken tacos they ever had. The family’s dinners were courtesy of these gracious restaurants.
Turner and his parents maximized every moment of the trip. One day was particularly eventful, heading back out after dinner to the Magic Kingdom for its spectacular fireworks show. It was their third park of the day! “We had the best time!” said Turner.
The family’s beautiful accommodations were courtesy of the Florida Hotel and Conference Center.
“It was our first big trip just the three of us,” said Turner’s mom as her eyes welled up with tears. “My favorite part was getting to see his face and all the excitement, gasps and surprises. This has been such a fun and much-needed trip.”
Since Turner’s diagnosis of neuroblastoma, he’s gone through a long journey of healing to battle this rare cancer that forms in nerve tissue. He been through surgery, eight rounds of chemo, blood transfusions, biopsies, multiple bone marrow aspirations, injections to help his body produce more white blood cells, steroids, and a port placement.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Turner without the help of The Florida Hotel and Conference Center, Bahama Breeze Island Grille, Chuy’s, Olive Garden, Sky Zone (Florence, Alabama), Children’s Museum of the Shoals (Florence, Alabama), 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.