ORLANDO, Fla. (July 2024): Ansley and her family were attending church, when the pastor called them in front of the congregation to share some meaningful news. Kids Wish Network was making her dream come true, sending her family to Florida for a magical and thrilling adventure. It was a heartfelt moment, and Ansley was also presented with a festive Stitch balloon rose bouquet donated by their local Kroger (Calhoun, GA).  

Kids Wish Network flew her family to Orlando, and they maximized their fun visiting six theme parks! Their time at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom was full of Disney magic. Ansley especially loved meeting Goofy, Stitch, and The Mandalorian with Baby Yoda, the parade, Tomorrowland, and riding the Tower of Terror. Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure were also action packed with exciting attractions. Ansley’s adventurous spirit surfaced, joyfully basking in the thrill rides at every park. Another highlight for Ansley was being selected for the wand ceremony at Ollivanders Wand Shop in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter land at Universal. The interactive wand chose her as its wizard, and she excitedly chose it back, purchasing the magical wand as a special souvenir. 

During Ansley’s wish trip, she dined on her favorite foods at Ole Red, Benihana, and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. She was delighted by the Mickey shaped rice that their Benihana chef prepared, felt the kindness of her server at Cheddar’s who exchanged bracelets with her, and adored all of her gifted merchandise from Ole Red. The restaurants graciously donated her family’s meals, and left lasting impressions in photos and memories.

Ansley’s family stayed at The Florida Hotel & Conference Center, and enjoyed its central location being so close to everything. The hotel generously provided their accommodations, and further extended their hospitality, providing an extra night when their flight home was unexpectedly canceled.  

“Being able to experience something that we truly wouldn’t have been able to do was eye opening, and made it real that she could meet the characters she loves, and ride all the fun rides,” said her mom April. Ansley’s wish was magical, thrilling, and a cherished time of living out her dreams.    

Shortly after Ansley turned one, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She underwent tongue therapy, and later had surgeries on her hip, and the tendons in her ankles which were clipped to help release them. She also receives Botox injections every 3 to 6 months to assist with tightness and spasticity. She currentlyl undergoes physical, speech and occupational therapies up to two times per week.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Ansley without the help of The Florida Hotel & Conference Center, Universal, Ole Red, Benihana, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen – West Kissimmee, Kroger (Calhoun, GA) and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.

Sponsors:

Kroger

https://www.kroger.com/stores/grocery/ga/calhoun 

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

IG: krogerco 

The Florida Hotel & Conference Cener

www.thefloridahotelorlando.com 

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

IG: thefloridahotel

Ole Red

https://olered.com/orlando/ 

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

IG: olered 

Benihana

https://www.benihana.com/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/BENIHANA.ORLANDO.2/ 

IG: benihana

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen- West Kissimmee

https://www.cheddars.com/locations/fl/kissimmee/west-kissimmee/2195?cmpid=br:csk_ag:ie_ch:loc_ca:CSKGMB_sn:gmb_gt:kissimmee-fl-2195_pl:locurl_rd:1165 

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

IG: cheddarskitchen 

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.