Wish Kid Takes to the Skies for Immersive WWII Mission
PHOENIX, Ariz. (June 2024): It was serendipity that Wish Kid Phoenix would have his dream come true in his namesake city. During a visit to the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton, he found out about his wish in the most meaningful way. In a room full of veterans, including five from WWII, one was chosen to announce that Kids Wish Network was sending Phoenix’s family to Phoenix, Arizona for a special mission, an epic WWII flight adventure! In addition to the incredible news, Phoenix also appreciated his time with the veterans who shared their personal stories and kindness. There were special bonds created that afternoon, and Phoenix told everyone he’d be back to tell them all about his wish.
Hope From Above provided his immersive and meticulously detailed WWII flying mission. Phoenix first met the flight crew and founder on a video call, and it was abundantly clear that this aspiring pilot was going to be part of something momentous. He was a pioneer, being the first kid to participate in the new and innovative program.
When it was time to travel, Kids Wish Network flew his family to Arizona. On their first night, Hope from Above hosted a dinner for his family to reconnect with their team. Phoenix was embraced with encouragement and support. It was all beginning to feel real, and his anticipation was already taking flight.
The next morning, Phoenix woke up at the crack of dawn to prepare for his big day. He first underwent a special briefing covering mission logistics and safety, and then it was time to take to the skies! Phoenix, his brother, and “co-pilot” embarked on an immersive 30-minute aviation journey from Falcon Field. Once in midair, Phoenix safely flew the plane under expert guidance, and completed the tasks of his assigned mission. When they reached the Radome, they turned around and headed back.
Even after the plane landed, Phoenix’s happiness continued to soar. The Mesa Fire Department celebrated their arrival with a water cannon salute, streaming arches of water over the plane. There was also a debriefing of Phoenix’s stellar performance, and he was further honored with a leather aviator jacket adorned with colorful patches including Phoenix’s personalized pilot wings. He felt a sense of camaraderie and belonging like never before. “I feel like I made friends,” said Phoenix. They even invited him to fly with them again whenever visiting Arizona. Amid all the excitement, Phoenix was also interviewed by several media outlets.
The flight was life-changing for Phoenix who has struggled with adversities. “And now here he is flying a plane because the right people gave him the right opportunity,” said his mom Melissa.
The special treatment continued with dinner at Doughbird, with attentive service and hats and T-shirts gifted to his family. During his wish, they also enjoyed burgers at Red Robin. Meals were courtesy of the restaurants. Beautiful accommodations with panoramic mountain views were provided by Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Scottsdale.
Phoenix looks forward to pursuing his passions, and returning to the New Hampshire Veterans Home. He now has his own WWII mission to share, along with gifts for the veterans who made him feel special with encouragement and thoughtful generosity.
Phoenix has bicuspid aortic valve, aneurysm of the heart, and tachycardia. He also copes with additional challenges.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Phoenix without the help of Hope From Above, Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Scottsdale, Doughbird, Red Robin, Walmart for donating pastries for Phoenix’s reveal, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.
Sponsors:
Hope From Above (@hopefromaboveaviation) • Instagram photos and videos
Hope From Above Aviation | Phoenix AZ | Facebook
https://locations.redrobin.com/az/phoenix/122/
https://www.facebook.com/RedRobinBurgers/
https://www.instagram.com/redrobinburgers/
https://www.facebook.com/eatdoughbird/
https://www.instagram.com/eatdoughbird/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/EmbassySuites/
https://www.instagram.com/embassysuites/
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.