HONOLULU, Hawaii (September 2023): Amyah thought she was going to their community pool to enjoy the last day of swimming season. She had no idea there was a party taking place, and that she was the guest of honor. Amyah was celebrated with a festive multi-tiered tiki cake courtesy of Honey Buns Hometown Bakery, and a tropical flower bouquet provided by Rimrock Flower Farm. It hinted at her exciting news. Surrounded by friends and family, one of the lifeguards made a big announcement that Kids Wish Network was making her dream come true, sending her to Hawaii to swim with dolphins, surf, canoe and experience a helicopter ride!

Her trip was postcard perfect with swaying palm trees, exotic flowers, tiki torches, ocean waves, Hawaiian music, and feeling the aloha spirit. It felt a million miles away from all the stresses that she frequently endures since her tragic accident that challenged her in unimaginable ways. She became paralyzed from the waist down, and continues to cope with the loss of her brother who lost his life. “You have changed Amyah’s life forever,” said her grandma/guardian to Kids Wish Network. “For the first time since the accident, she gets to go on a trip that doesn’t involve another surgery, and it’s all about her in a positive way.” 

Kids Wish Network flew Amyah’s family to Honolulu for her once-in-a-lifetime Hawaii getaway. From the moment they arrived, everything felt so magical living up to her vision of paradise. They stayed at The Twin Fin Waikiki Hotel, a picturesque oceanfront resort with beautiful views of Diamond Head and Waikiki’s stunning beaches. The hotel went above and beyond welcoming her arrival with gourmet cookies from Honolulu Cookie Company, and surprised her family with a two-bedroom ocean view suite. The resort generously provided their hotel accommodations, and complimentary daily breakfast at its Coconut Club with spectacular views of the ocean from the 21st floor.

During Amyah’s wish, some of the most memorable highlights were swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Quest Oahu, exploring with a bird’s eye view of Oahu with a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour, an adaptive private surf lesson with Ohana Surf Project, and an adaptive Outrigger Canoe Clinic with AccesSurf. All of these sponsors graciously donated their services for Amyah’s family. They went all out to make her Ohana adventures memorable.

Each restaurant had quintessential Hawaiian ambiance. Amyah enjoyed pizza with a view at Plumeria Beach House, and also got to meet the governor of Hawaii who presented her with a special governor’s pin. Dining continued at Cheeseburger in Paradise, Lulu’s Waikiki, and Barefoot Beach Café where the band dedicated a song to Amyah and announced she was on her wish trip. Her family was also invited to The Paradise Cove Luau, Moku Kitchen, Duke’s Waikiki, Merriman’s Honolulu, and Hula Grill. Dylan’s Candy Bar gifted Amyah a massive box full of candy, and AcesSurf and Barefoot Beach Café also honored Amyah with natural flower leis. 

After returning home, Amyah’s family told their wish coordinator, “Everything was so perfect, and couldn’t be any better. Thank you so much, you are all amazing!”

Amyah’s life forever changed since her traumatic car accident. In addition to tragically losing her brother, she also suffered severe abdominal trauma and many complications. Her 4-month hospital stay was just the beginning of her ongoing treatments and operations. She just recently underwent her 54th surgery. Although she is in a wheelchair and paralyzed from the waist down, Amyah continues to inspire others with her resiliency and tenacity in not letting her condition limit her athletic spirit.       

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Amyah without the help of The Twin Fin Waikiki Hotel, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Dolphin Quest, Duke’s Waikiki, Plumeria Beach House, Paradise Cove Luau, Moku Kitchen, Lulu’s Waikiki, Ohana Surf Project, Dylan’s Candy Bar, Barefoot Beach Café, Van Dyke’s Supermarket, Cheeseburger in Paradise, AccesSurf, Merriman’s Honolulu, Hula Grill, Honey Buns Hometown Bakery, Rimrock Flower Farm, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. 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.