ORLANDO, Fla. (August 2024): Hannah received a royal surprise at her acrobatic class. Princess Ariel came to see her and announced that Kids Wish Network was making her dream come true, sending her family to Disney and Universal in Orlando! Hannah’s friends were so excited for her, and Kroger’s bakery sweetened the day by donating a cake for the celebration. It was all perfect timing, giving her a much-needed distraction from a looming procedure ruminating in her mind. Hannah now had so much to look forward to and couldn’t wait!  Ariel’s visit was courtesy of Kentucky Characters.

Kids Wish Network flew her family to Orlando, and it was just as magical as she dreamed of. So many special family memories were made throughout her wish. Her visit to Disney’s Magic Kingdom was full of these moments, like the time she hugged Mickey Mouse, and got to meet Elsa, Anna, Cinderella, Donald Duck and Daisy. Other highlights were meeting Goofy at EPCOT, and having her Kids Wish Network button score her an exclusive playdate with Anna and Elsa. A very memorable “ride” of passage was experiencing her very first roller coaster at Hollywood Studios!

Universal Studios was also a thrilling adventure. Hannah had pictures taken with Spider-Man and Captain America, and was invited to come back later in the day for a private character meet and greet. She met X-Men’s Storm, Wolverine and Cyclops, and it was very special for her family to see their kind interaction with Hannah in getting to know her. It was an amazing day!

Hannah’s wish trip was also full of upscale dining experiences. When they arrived at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, their table was festively decorated and adorned with gifts. Hannah received a gift bag with a beautiful blue Elsa dress tucked inside, and there were stuffed animals among the table settings for Hannah and her siblings. It was also an evening of culinary decadence. Another night they enjoyed the retro nautical themed ambiance of The Boathouse, a waterfront restaurant at Disney Springs with views of Lake Buena Vista and its collection of vintage Dream Boats. It was another memorable meal, along  with the gifts she received. They gave her a sweatshirt, rubber ducks, and a bracelet inscribed with “You can do it,” which continues to bring her comfort throughout difficult medical appointments. Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs was another dining experience with stunning views of Lake Buena Vista. After their wonderful dinner, it was further elevated with dessert. Hannah had a massive rice crispy treat, and her siblings were served supersized cookies from the restaurant’s nostalgic bakery. Even breakfast was full of happy vibes at Eggs Up Grill, a neighborhood gem serving comfort food prepared with love, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. All of the restaurants made her wish extra special, and generously provided her family’s meals. Bonefish Grill was also a supportive sponsor of Hannah’s wish.

Hotel accommodations were courtesy of Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Convention Center.    

From infancy, Hannah was chronically sick with viruses and infections, but the cause wasn’t discovered for years. After seeing a new doctor, testing revealed that she didn’t have white blood cells. She was diagnosed with severe congenital neutropenia, and began taking daily injections to help her body produce the essential white blood cells. She also undergoes frequent blood draws and annual marrow aspirations. Additional testing will be necessary in the coming years.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Hannah without the help of Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Convention Center, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, The Boathouse, Summer House on the Lake, Eggs Up Grill, Universal Studios Orlando, Kentucky Characters, Kroger (7th Ave. in Huntington), and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. Also special thanks to Bonefish Grill for their support.

Sponsors:

The Boathouse:  https://www.disneysprings.com/dining/the-boathouse/

Kentucky Characters:  https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyCharacters/

Bonefish Grill:  https://locations.bonefishgrill.com/florida/orlando/6730-central-florida-parkway

https://www.facebook.com/bonefishgrill

https://www.instagram.com/bonefishgrill/

Kroger’s:  http://www.kroger.com

Eggs Up Grill:  

LinkedIn for both restaurant locations: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eggs-up-grill-orlando-781473313/

Linktr.ee for both restaurant locations: linktr.ee/eugorlando

Eggs Up Grill Orlando website: https://eggsupgrill.com/orlando-fl/

Eggs Up Grill Orlando Instagram: @eugorlando

Eggs Up Grill Orlando Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EUGOrlando

Eggs Up Grill Orlando address: 11020 Daryl Carter Pkwy., Orlando, FL 32836

Eggs Up Grill Apopka website: https://eggsupgrill.com/apopka/

Eggs Up Grill Apopka Instagram: @eugapopka 

Eggs Up Grill Apopka Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EUGApopka/

Eggs Up Grill Apopka address: 502 S. Hunt Club Blvd., Apopka, FL 32703

Summer House on the Lake:  https://www.disneysprings.com/dining/summer-house-on-the-lake/

Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Convention Center:  https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcopw-four-points-orlando-convention-center/overview/

Eddie Vs Orlando:  https://www.eddiev.com/locations/fl/orlando/orlando/8513

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.