Wish Kid Feels Like King of the World in Key West Paradise
KEY WEST, Fla. (February 2024): Isaac was having dinner at Kabuto Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar. It’s one of his favorite restaurants, and he didn’t suspect anything out of the ordinary until staff came out to surprise him. They announced that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true, sending him to Key West! “He was surprised and loved every minute,” said his mom Angela. The restaurant was happy to help celebrate Isaac’s big news, and further honored him providing his family’s dinners.
Isaac and his parents were flown to Key West by Kids Wish Network. They spent their first night enjoying their luxurious beachfront accommodations at the legendary landmark Casa Marina Key West Curio Collection by Hilton. They woke up refreshed, and indulged in gourmet breakfasts at The Breakfast Club, Too. Their first full day was spent back at the resort, where Isaac received white-glove treatment. Isaac felt like a celebrity getting to lounge poolside in a private cabana with its own flat screen TV, ceiling fan, stocked fridge, and personal attendant. There was even a beach wheelchair ready to go for Isaac’s time on the sand, and they also provided an elevated experience with a fruit tray and refreshments. “They pampered Isaac like crazy,” gushed his mom. His family’s memorable stay was generously provided by the resort.
Their first Key West dinner was also extraordinary, and evoked tropical vibes with a stunning beachside dinner at Four Marlins. Isaac tried grouper for the first time and loved it, along with their key lime pie.
The following day they drove to Islamorada for an amazing afternoon at Theater of the Sea. Isaac was so excited about his personal encounter – with sharks! He interacted with them in the shallow waters, and bravely helped feed the sharks. It was one of Isaac’s favorite experiences. He also fed stingrays, saw a big sea turtle, enjoyed a bottomless boat experience, and received a private dolphin show. Staff went above and beyond to make his day incredible. His family’s admission and experiences were donated by the Theater of the Sea. Dinner was also memorable at Kiki’s Sandbar & Grille, dining at a table on the sand. Isaac loved his pina colada mocktail and snapper for dinner. He was also gifted a hat and shirt.
Another day in paradise was spent on the water. Captain Max of Barefoot Billy’s Watersports took his family out on a boat for an adventurous fishing excursion. There was some friendly competition among Isaac and his parents, and Isaac won bragging rights. It was an exhilarating day on the ocean. The experience was donated by Barefoot Billy’s Watersports. Dinner was also memorable at Bistro 245, with its gourmet selections and picturesque location on the Gulf-of-Mexico. Isaac once again dined on grouper and enjoyed the stunning views.
Their final lunch of the getaway was at Conch Republic Seafood Company, an open-air waterfront restaurant with beautiful views of the historic Seaport and Key West Marina. They feasted on conch fritters, fried swordfish, and Isaac was also kindly gifted a Key West edition of Monopoly as a special memento. Before leaving, Isaac even saw a big iguana sitting on a rock.
All of the restaurants mentioned graciously participated in Isaac’s wish, donating his family’s meals.
Their Key West experience was complete with shopping, and visiting some of the area’s iconic tourist attractions like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Southernmost Point buoy. Reflecting on the trip, his mom said, “Everyone was wonderful, we couldn’t ask for anything better. He was just amazed at everything and just the feeling of being like a king and experiencing things that he wouldn’t have been able to experience.” One of her favorite memories was seeing the look on his face being so happy and excited throughout his wish trip. Being in Key West left an impression on Isaac, he told his mom he’d like to move there. He’ll always have his photos and memories to rekindle the joy he felt in his postcard perfect paradise.
Isaac was born premature, and was immediately flown to another hospital for treatment. It was a rough beginning spending nearly four months in the NICU. At five months old, he was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and focal partial idiopathic epilepsy. He’s been through multiple surgeries, therapies and treatments.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Isaac without the help of Casa Marina Key West Curio Collection by Hilton, Theater of the Sea, Barefoot Billy’s Watersports, Kabuto Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, Four Marlins Oceanfront Dining, Kiki’s Sandbar & Grille, Bistro 245, Conch Republic Seafood Company, The Breakfast Club,Too, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.
Sponsors
Kabuto Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar- Greensboro, NC
https://www.kabutosteakhouse.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kabutoofgreensboro/
IG: @kabutosteakhouse
Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CasaMarinaResort/
IG: @casamarinaresort
The Breakfast Club, Too
FB: https://www.facebook.com/thebctoo/
IG: @thebctoo
Four Marlins Oceanfront Dining
https://reachresort.com/menus/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/FourMarlins/
IG: @fourmarlinskeywest
Theater of the Sea
FB: https://www.facebook.com/theaterofthesea
IG: @theater_ofthe_sea
Kiki’s Sandbar & Grille
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Kikissandbar/
IG: @kikissandbar
Barefoot Billy’s Watersports
FB: https://www.facebook.com/BarefootBillys/
IG: @barefootbillys
Bistro 245
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Bistro245/
IG: @bistro245
Conch Republic
https://conchrepublicseafood.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/longlivetheconchrepublic/
IG: conchrepublicseafoodcompany
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.