TUPELO, Miss. (May 2024): Charleston was taking drum lessons, but didn’t have his own set to practice on at home… until now. His incredible surprise went down while attending his drum lesson at Tupelo Music Academy, and his music teacher who inspires his learning was in on it. Charleston’s music instructor Terrence Cummings revealed that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true with his very own quiet electronic drum kit, along with an amp, throne, cable, sticks, and headphones donated by Guitar Center Memphis. His teacher kindly assembled the drums for his reveal, and Charleston’s therapists were also there to celebrate. It was an extraordinarily upbeat lesson! His music instructor went above and beyond, also transporting the drums to Charleston’s home, and setting it up again so Charleston didn’t miss a beat.

Kids Wish Network also purchased Charleston a very generous Walmart gift card to shop for additional gifts for himself. His joyful playtime has been elevated with a playhouse and swing set, and play stove.  He also picked out new clothes for school.  

“My favorite part of his wish was seeing him so happy and all smiles,” said his mom Sherrie.

Charleston’s wish will continue to bring him infinite joy. 

At three months old, Charleston was displaying symptoms that concerned his mom. Testing revealed distressing news. He had a large brain tumor, and was diagnosed with choroid plexus papilloma. Due to its location, it had to be removed in stages with multiple surgeries. The tumor also caused seizures that impact his sleep. His brain activity seen in sleep studies is worrisome, with the possibility of Charleston having a grand mal seizure in his sleep putting his life at risk. He continues to participate in sleep studies, and undergoes MRI testing to monitor tumor growth.

Abigail was also treated special at her sponsored restaurants. Miller’s Ale House festively decorated her table with balloons and gave her a gift bag filled with presents. It was actually one of the manager’s days off, and they came in just to meet Abigail. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse surprised her with a giant pizookie cookie the size of a pizza! The Olive Garden also decorated her table with a festive tablecloth, flowers and balloons, and gifted her a Target gift card and Olive Garden T-shirt. All of the restaurants kindly donated her family’s meals. “We had so much fun at all of the dinners, they were amazing,” said her mom Amanda. “Going out to dinner with Abigail is never going to be fun again because she is so spoiled now,” she joked. 

Hotel accommodations were provided by Springhill Suites Orlando Theme Parks/Lake Buena Vista who went above and beyond to make Abigail’s stay wonderful. She especially loved their pool.

“She had the absolute best time on her wish, Abigail has talked about it nonstop,” said her mom. “My favorite part was seeing her face during everything. When we walked into the Magic Kingdom the first day she just grinned the whole time we were there. She had a blast!”

When Abigail was born, she was put on a ventilator, and within hours was flown to a children’s hospital to have her first surgery. Two days later, she had open heart surgery to repair her pulmonary arteries. She also had to have her aorta cut and stretched to the size it should have been at birth. In the future, she may need a stint to help hold everything open correctly. Besides her diagnosis of transposition of the great vessels, it was later discovered that she also had cerebral palsy. She wears a brace on her wrist, and also has ankle braces that she utilizes as necessary. Abigail undergoes physical and occupational therapies.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Charleston without the help of Guitar Center Memphis, Tupelo Music Academy, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.

Sponsors:

https://stores.guitarcenter.com/tn/bartlett/722?source=4GOA5AJBA

https://tupelomusicacademy.com/

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.