Wish Kid Feels Like the Superhero of His Dreams
ANAHEIM, Calif. (October 2024): Colt thought he was going to his favorite restaurant Johnny Carino’s for his birthday dinner. He was, but there was also another big reason to celebrate. Staff surprised Colt with the news that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true, sending his family to Disneyland and LEGOLAND! Knowing how much Colt loves superheroes, the general manager also personally gifted him a Batman LEGO set. “Everyone involved had such a great time putting this on for Colt,” said the general manager. “We even had team members that weren't working who came in to help cheer.” The restaurant also graciously provided his family’s meals. Colt was further celebrated with an Avenger’s cupcake cake provided by Walmart Supercenter Albany.
Colt and his family were flown by Kids Wish Network, and it was a fun experience getting to sit in the pilot’s chair and take photos with the pilots before the flight. When they arrived in California, they went straight from the airport to Disneyland to experience the magic of Disney pronto!
Some of his wish trip’s highlights were going to the Disney parks and having exclusive visits with Iron Man and Captain America. He also had a bonus visit with Spider-Man, and a private meet and greet with the trio of superheroes all at the same time. He was given so much personalized attention. He also felt like a superhero when he visited the Avengers store and got to try on some of their very special merchandise - Iron Man’s gloves and helmet. When they visited LEGOLAND, Colt rode his first upside down roller coaster. One of his mom’s favorite moments at the theme parks was watching his excitement on the rides. “It’s a part of him we do not get to see all the time,” said his mom Mersadies. “Watching him having a deep gut laugh and tipping his head back, mouth wide open, laughing so hard. He was just so happy!”
Mama Cozza’s graciously hosted Colt’s family for dinner, and they were also invited to Miguel’s Cocina.
Hotel accommodations were provided by Hotel Lulu, BW Premier Collection. They had a wonderful stay, and Colt especially enjoyed the pool.
Now that they’re home, all their photos and memories continue to bring Colt back to his happy and carefree days. When family and friends see that he may be down, they help him remember the fun he had. His mom said, “It genuinely made him and his year a lot better.”
Colt has myelomeningocele spina bifida and hydrocephalus. He’s undergone several surgeries, and while he currently utilizes a wheelchair, his family hopes he can one day walk again with the assistance of a walker. He also has a shunt, and is missing part of his brain. He undergoes physical and occupational therapies.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Colt without the help of Hotel Lulu BW Premier Collection, Merlin’s Magic Wand (LEGOLAND passes), Disney, Johnny Carino’s (Albany, OR), Mama Cozza’s, Stu Comstock, Walmart Supercenter Albany #5396, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. Also special thanks to Miguel’s Cocina for their support.
Sponsors:
Walmart Supercenter #5396
https://www.walmart.com/store/5396-albany-or
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Walmart5396/
IG: @walmart
X: @walmart
Johnny Carino’s
https://www.carinos.com/locations/albany-or#/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/carinositalian/
IG: @johnnycarinos
Hotel Lulu, BW Premier Collection
FB: https://www.facebook.com/HotelLuluAnaheim/
IG: @hotelluluanaheim
Mama Cozzo’s
FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mama-Cozzas-Italian-Restaurant-100047976565254/
IG: @mamacozzas
Miguel’s Cocina
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MiguelsCocinaSD/
IG: @miguelscocina
Stu Comstock (personal donor)
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.