Los Angeles, CA (December 2022) – For eight-year-old Austin, life revolves around navigating the challenges that come with having hypoplastic right heart syndrome. To help him through medical appointments, surgeries, and hospital stays, he leans into his love of basketball, specifically anything having to do with the Lakers. 

Kids Wish Network personalized a game-changing Wish for Laker-loving Austin – a trip to Los Angeles that put this super fan on the court with his idols! 

Austin’s Wish began in a decked-out Luxe Sprinter Van, courtesy of Top Shelf Concierge Service! Austin received top-tier Lakers merchandise, including a Kobe Bryant jersey, blanket, foam hand, pennant, and stuffed animal – everything he needed to show his team spirit! When Austin and his family arrived at the Crypto.com Arena, the level of anticipation was palpable! Austin was standing in the place he had only seen on TV. He took time to absorb where he was as he entered the arena and made his way down to the floor where his courtside seats awaited. It was surreal. Star-struck, Austin watched in awe as his favorite team practiced. He even got to rub elbows with Austin Reeves and Juan Toscano-Anderson, who made sure to spend some extra time with their super fan. They even discovered a few similarities – Austin and Toscano-Anderson have birthdays two days apart. They became “birthday twins!” 

Austin beamed, “I got to watch players train, and I got to see two players who actually took pictures with me! It was awesome!”

As if witnessing practice up close wasn’t exciting enough, Austin and his family got to stay for the game and watch the Lakers defeat the Denver Nuggets! But the excitement didn’t stop there! The following day was spent at Disneyland soaking up every bit of adventure at the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attractions! 

Austin and his family now have special memories of his extraordinary experience to smile about when health challenges arise. That is how a Wish impacts a child’s life forever. Wishes give hope, and there is no greater gift!

Austin’s mother heartfully shared, “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. He’s very grateful and loved it all.”

Many Thanks

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this Wish to Austin without the help of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Top Shelf Concierge Services, and the many supporters who believe in making Wishes come true for kids who need hope.   

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.

Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs.