Wish is a Walk on the Wild Side with Animal Adventures
ATLANTA, Georgia – Brayden couldn’t wait for his wish trip to Atlanta knowing it was full of animal adventures. He was given a preview of what he’d be experiencing at Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, watching a personalized video they created just for him. Brayden’s wish coordinator also told him about visiting the Georgia Aquarium along with some surprises that he’d experience on his walk on the wild side.
Within a few weeks, Brayden’s family was off to Atlanta. His first stop was the Georgia Aquarium where they explored marine life including an interactive experience with a sea otter. His family got to feed, touch and learn firsthand about how the trainers care for them. They also received a behind the scenes tour of the aquarium, including getting to see the sharks from above the tanks. Brayden was especially captivated with the dolphin show. His family was also kindly gifted souvenirs to remind them of their special day. His family’s admission and experiences were courtesy of the attraction.
Another highlight was visiting the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary. They were given a private tour, as well as immersive one-on-one animal encounters feeding a sloth and vulture. Their walk on the wild side was full of wonder getting to so close to the animals, as well as learning so many intriguing facts and personal stories. His time there was impactful for both Brayden and the sanctuary who was also appreciate of the experience saying, “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate in Brayden’s wish!”
Brayden’s getaway also included dining at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, and Ford’s BBQ who elevated their experience with a personalized tour of their smokehouse. The restaurants graciously provided his family’s meals. They were also invited to dinner at The Hard Rock Café Atlanta.
The magic of Brayden’s wish was also felt at the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta – Buckhead who elevated their stay with a suite. When his family opened the door, there were beautiful ocean themed balloon towers featuring fish, a starfish and octopus celebrating their arrival. Brayden and his siblings also received gifts. “The hotel room was such an amazing surprise,” said his mom Megan. The hotel generously provided their accommodations.
With a surgery on the horizon, Brayden’s wish will later continue with a visit to Six Flags Over Georgia, and exploration at the Atlanta Discovery Center. Six Flags is providing his family’s admission, and Merlin’s Magic Wand is providing passes to the Atlanta Discovery Center. Knowing about the fun times ahead gives Brayden something special to look forward to before his upcoming surgery and throughout recovery.
Brayden has tetralogy of fallot, a congenital heart condition with a combination of four defects in the structure of his heart. At four months old, he underwent heart surgery for many repairs. His smaller lung collapsed, and one of his valves still does not shut and will need to be replaced. He additionally has an enlarged heart. Brayden also deals with complications from scoliosis, previously undergoing halo surgery, and later a repair after one of the rods broke. Brayden will still need additional spinal surgeries in the future. His medical needs require a variety of specialists including a gastroenterologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, geneticist and orthopedist.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Brayden without the help of Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta – Buckhead, Georgia Aquarium, Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, Merlin’s Magic Wand, Six Flags Over Georgia, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Ford’s BBQ, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. Also a special thanks to the Hard Rock Café Atlanta for their support.
Sponsors:
Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta- Buckhead
FB: https://www.facebook.com/HGIBuckhead/
IG: @hgibuckhead
X: @HiltonGardenInn
FB: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaAquarium/
IG: @georgiaaquarium
X: @GeorgiaAquarium
FB: https://www.facebook.com/@hardrockcafeatlanta/
IG: @hardrockatlanta
X: @HardRock
FB: https://www.facebook.com/hopdoddydruidhills/
IG: @hopdoddy
X: @hopdoddy
FB: https://www.facebook.com/sixflagsovergeorgia/
IG: @sixflagsovergeorgia
X: @sfovergeorgia
FB: https://www.facebook.com/fordsbbqtucker/
IG: @fordsbbq
Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary
FB: https://www.facebook.com/YellowRiverWildlifeSanctuary/
IG: @yellowriverwildlife
X: @YellowRiverBear
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.