COLUMBIA, S.C. (May 2024): Markeyese was the center of attention at his homespun gathering with family and friends. There was so much to celebrate finding out that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true, sending his family on a special adventure. It felt like his birthday with all the love and festivities. He had a beautiful cake courtesy of Walmart, and balloons provided by Party City. 

It was time for Markeyese’s getaway, and he was so excited to be on their way. His family’s first stop was the Riverbank Zoo. He loved seeing all the animals, especially the lion and black bear. His favorite part was playing with his brothers and sister at the zoo’s water park.

That evening they checked into The Residence Inn, Columbia West/Lexington, and there was a surprise waiting in his room. He received an extravagant gift basket filled with treats and snacks donated by Whole Foods. Markeyese was of course most excited about the candy. There was also more water time playing with his siblings at the hotel’s pool. His family’s stay was generously provided by The Residence Inn, Columbia West. Dinner that evening was also fun going to Chili’s, with meals courtesy of the restaurant. 

Another highlight of Markeyese’s wish was visiting the Edventure children’s museum. There were so many captivating exhibits, and one of his favorite experiences was climbing inside Eddie, their 40-foot structure that looks like a kid from the outside, but creatively teaches children about body organs as they explore the inside. Admission for Markeyese’s family was provided by Edventure. 

Markeyese was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia after his newborn screening. He underwent his first blood transfusion at just 7 months old, and spent much of his first year of life in and out of the hospital.

Many Thanks

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Markeyese without the help of The Residence Inn Columbia West/Lexington, Edventure, Chili’s Grill & Bar (Lexington), Whole Foods (Columbia) Walmart, Party City (Florence), and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.  

Sponsors:

https://www.chilis.com/locations/us/south-carolina/lexington/lexington?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=Chilis

https://www.facebook.com/Chilis/

https://www.instagram.com/chilis/

https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/shop/CRH

https://www.facebook.com/wholefoodsmarket

https://www.instagram.com/wholefoods/

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/caewe-residence-inn-columbia-west-lexington/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0

https://www.facebook.com/marriottbonvoy

https://www.instagram.com/marriottbonvoy/

https://edventure.org/experience/#explore

https://www.facebook.com/EdVentureChildrensMuseum

https://www.instagram.com/edventurechildrensmuseum/

https://www.walmart.com/store/621-lake-city-sc

https://stores.partycity.com/us/sc/florence/party-store-pc898.html

https://www.facebook.com/PartyCity/

https://www.instagram.com/partycity/

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.