Wish Kid Experiences Gem of a Wish to the Emerald Coast (Copy)
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (April 2024): Rhylee didn’t suspect anything at her weekly lesson at Campeao United Jiu-Jitsu of Kingsport. She was called to the front of the class, but it wasn’t for a demonstration. They had a big surprise for Rhylee, and announced that Kids Wish Network was making her dream come true with a getaway to the Florida Panhandle! Walmart donated a cupcake cake and additional round cake for her class to celebrate Rhylee’s meaningful news.
Kids Wish Network flew her family to Fort Walton Beach, also known as The Emerald Coast. They stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn of Fort Walton Beach, in a beautiful beachfront room with stunning views of the ocean, sugar-white sand, swaying palm trees and Florida sunshine. The tropical scene was straight out of a postcard. The hotel kindly gifted her family lots of snacks, drinks and stuffed animals for Rhylee and her sister. The family’s accommodations were generously donated by the resort.
One of Rhylee’s favorite excursions was a sunset sailboat ride with Vitamin Sea Sailing Charters. They encountered dolphins, and Rhylee even got to steer the wheel under the watchful eye of the captain. This experience was extra meaningful to her, as it’s likely she’ll never be able to drive a car. She was also gifted shirts, necklaces, drinks, stickers and bracelets. The excursion was courtesy of Vitamin Sea Sailing Charters.
Another highlight was their time at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, where Rhylee’s family enjoyed their own private Discover Dolphins encounter. They experienced a training session, and it was an amazing feeling being so close and interacting with a dolphin. Rhylee was surprised by how soft it was. The dolphin also playfully splashed them when it was time to say goodbye. Her family also got to see fish, penguins and seals. Their time at the attraction was donated by Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
Her getaway was also a culinary adventure of firsts trying gator tacos at Rockin Tacos, and grouper and mahi mahi at Lulu’s. Rhylee was hooked. They also made memories having dinner at Harry T’s Lighthouse. Rockin Tacos gifted her a shirt, hat and bag of goodies, and Lulu’s is sending her a swag gift package to recapture all the Florida feels. Her family’s meals were graciously provided by all the restaurants.
Rhylee was born premature, and spent her first couple of weeks in the NICU. After surviving a brain bleed, she was not expected to walk or talk. She’s dealt with seizures, and has undergone multiple surgeries on both eyes. Rhylee continues to cope with many medical challenges from her diagnoses of primary optic neuropathy, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. She undergoes physical therapy at home, vision, orientation and mobility therapies.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Rhylee without the help of Hilton Garden Inn of Fort Walton Beach, Vitamin Sea Sailings Charters, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Harry T’s Lighthouse, Lulu’s, Rockin Tacos, Walmart, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.
SPONSORS:
Walmart Supercenter Store #742
https://www.walmart.com/store/742-kingsport-tn
Campeao United Jiu-Jitsu of Kingsport
https://campeaojiujitsukingsport.com/
FB: https://m.facebook.com/people/Campeao-United-Jiu-Jitsu-of-Kingsport/61553577112246/
IG: campeaokingsport
Hilton Garden Inn of Fort Walton Beach
www.hilton.com/en/hotels/fwbgigi-hilton-garden-inn-ft-walton-beach
FB: www.facebook.com/HiltonGardenInnFWB/
IG: hgifortwaltonbeach
Lulu’s
https://lulusfunfoodmusic.com/
FB: www.facebook.com/LuLusDestin
IG: lulusdestin
Rockin Tacos
FB: www.facebook.com/rockintacosgrill/
IG: rockintacos
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
FB: www.facebook.com/Gulfarium
IG: gulfarium
Harry T’s Lighthouse
FB: www.facebook.com/HarryTsDestin/
IG: harrytslighthouse
Vitamin Sea Sailing Charters
FB: www.facebook.com/vitaminseadestin
IG: vitaminseadestin
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.