ORLANDO, Fla. (July 2024): Ethan was having dinner with his family at Applebee’s, his all-time favorite restaurant. It wasn’t his birthday, yet there was a lot of commotion when staff gathered at his table with a cake and balloons. They had a big surprise for Ethan, announcing that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true, sending his family to Disney World! “I’m so excited as well!” said his mom Brooke. “Ethan has talked about it every single day, and told everyone we’ve seen since the reveal.” Applebee’s in Comstock, Michigan kindly provided his family’s meals, gifts and celebration festivities.

When it was time to travel, Kids Wish Network flew Ethan’s family to Orlando for his ultimate Disney getaway. Knowing that Mickey Mouse lives there, Ethan was surprised he wasn’t at the airport, but would be seeing him real soon!

When they arrived at The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando, the Assistant Director of Guest Services personally welcomed his family, and escorted them to their beautiful accommodations. Ethan was the first to enter their unit, a three-bedroom, three-bathroom condo that was decorated with balloons and gifts. There were stuffed animals, insulated water tumblers, and gift cards for the arcade. The Assistant Director also arranged a private meet and greet for Ethan with one of his favorite characters Pluto. The Grove Resort was amazing, and Ethan especially loved its Safari Water Park with water slides, a lazy river and variety of play zones. Their hotel stay was generously provided by the resort. 

Ethan met so many characters at the Disney parks. Mickey, Minnie who blew him a kiss, Donald who played peek-a-boo with him, his adored Pluto, and Goofy who became one of his newfound favorites. Seeing the fireworks and parade were other highlights of their visit. Their front row access for the parade gave Ethan an up-close vantage of all the characters, and he even got to high-five Chip ‘n’ Dale. His family enjoyed the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios parks.

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar made sure Ethan’s dinner was a special night to remember. The chef made many dishes for his family that weren’t even on the menu, and the restaurant gifted Ethan a basket full of goodies. “We went back to the resort with two huge bags full of stuff,” said his dad Ryan. Lazy Dog Restaurant also provided his family’s meals. They were also invited to dine at Paddlefish, Buca di Beppo Celebration, and Red Robin West Kissimmee who were gracious wish sponsors.

“We literally had the best time ever,” said his mom. “Everyone who has gathered together to make Ethan’s wish come true, along with everything else you’ve done for him and our family is so much more than we could have imagined. Kids Wish Network has given us so much happiness, joy, and memories that will last us a lifetime, and we will forever be grateful for you all!” Ethan’s wish was sponsored by a real family guy. 

Ethan has an extremely rare illness called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), where skeletal muscle and connective tissues transform into bone and cause restriction of movement. He underwent a surgery before testing revealed his true diagnosis. There are currently no treatments or cure.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Ethan without the help of The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, Alpine Applebee’s (Comstock, Michigan), and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. Also special thanks to Paddlefish, Buca di Beppo Celebration, and Red Robin West Kissimmee for their support.

Sponsors:

Applebee’s Grill & Bar

https://restaurants.applebees.com/en-us/mi/comstock-park/3851-alpine-ave-nw-83082 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ApplebeesAlpineComstockParkMI/ 

IG: @applebees

The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando

https://www.groveresortorlando.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/thegroveresortorlando/ 

IG: @thegroveresort

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

https://www.lazydogrestaurants.com/locations/orlando-fl 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/LazyDogRestaurants/ 

IG: @lazydogrestaurants

Buca di Beppo

https://www.bucadibeppo.com/locations/celebration-kissimmee/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/BucadiBeppoCelebration/ 

IG: @bucadibeppo

Red Robin

https://locations.redrobin.com/fl/kissimmee/227/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/RedRobinWestKissimmee227/ 

IG: @redrobinburgers

Paddlefish

https://www.paddlefishrestaurant.com/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/paddlefishORL/?fref=ts 

IG: @paddlefishorl

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.