Wish Kid Loves His Slam Dunk Room

WHITE CITY, Ore. (October 2020): Dennis wasn’t ever expected to walk, and felt like a champion taking his first steps last year. His victory continues with Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses. His sweetest dreams came true with a complete bedroom makeover reflecting his love of basketball and the Portland Trail Blazers. And it was all a surprise! It all went down while Dennis spent time at his grandparents’ house. When he came home and unknowingly entered his bedroom, his eyes and mouth widened as he gaped in astonishment. “Oh my gosh, I love it!” exclaimed Dennis. He sat in his wheelchair looking around his room in wonder and bubbled over into fits of sweet laughter. It was a slam dunk makeover! Kids Wish also surprised Dennis with generous gift cards to Best Buy and Target. “That’s a lot!” he said in disbelief of his shopping funds.

Ashley HomeStore donated and delivered all of his room’s stylishly appointed bedroom furniture, and EZ Mattress and Garrison’s Mattress donated all of his new bed’s essentials. His idolized Trail Blazers joined our makeover team, sending gifts to up his game with team posters, a Damian Lillard jersey, plush stuffed animal mascot, and a team yearbook. Kids Wish added even more special touches, purchasing Dennis a sports locker and a variety of basketball-themed furnishings including a Portland Trail Blazer’s throw blanket. PPG paints donated paint and supplies to enhance his walls with a fresh new color completing the amazing new space.

Dennis was born with myelomeningocele, one of the most severe forms of spina bifida where the spinal cord and nerves develop outside of the body. He was also diagnosed with Chiari malformation and hydrocephalus. He wasn’t expected to live, yet he defied the odds. He’s undergone multiple surgeries and continues to take on all of his conditions’ challenges. 

“Dennis spends a lot of time in the serenity of his bedroom, and we’re so happy we could give him a special space to further inspire his love of basketball and bring him comfort,” said his Wish Coordinator Kim Kreiner.

Many Thanks

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following sponsors:

• Ashley HomeStore (Medford, OR)

• Portland Trail Blazers

• EZ Sleep Mattress  (Medford, OR)

• Garrison’s Mattress  (Medford, OR)

• PPG Paints (Medford, OR)

Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about the 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.