WASHINGTON, D.C.(June 2023): Riley loves history, and was so excited to spend the afternoon touring the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was more meaningful than he could have imagined. When his family arrived at the museum, his mom steered his wheelchair to the back room where Riley found out why this visit would be even more special than his last.

Senior Museum Educator Yara Lugo revealed that Kids Wish Network was making Riley’s dream come true, sending his family to Washington, D.C. to explore some of America’s most historic monuments and museums. It was all so surreal, and he was still on cloud nine when along came another surprise. 

Riley was greeted by Roland Levi, a holocaust survivor who has traveled the country educating others through his personal memoirs. Roland shared so many insightful stories with Riley, and was equally impressed with how much this young history buff knew about the holocaust. His mom also mentioned that because of Riley’s cerebral palsy, he feels that if he lived during the holocaust, he wouldn’t have had a place in society. Roland kindly reassured him, “In my heart you’ve got a big place, a big, big, big place!” They also shared a tender hug. Riley’s time at the museum continued with a private presentation of some of their most special and lovingly preserved artifacts. 

Everything about the day was incredible, and Riley’s excitement carried over to the next. “Riley has been talking about it nonstop,” said his mom Kimberly. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Kids Wish Network flew Riley and his parents to Washington, D.C. for his much anticipated wish trip. They had an extraordinary stay at the swanky Kimpton George Hotel, located in the heart of the area’s historic gems, culture and attractions. Accommodations were graciously provided by the hotel.

Highlights of Riley’s wish trip were seeing the exterior of the iconic White House, visiting the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Other meaningful experiences were seeing the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights at the National Archives Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, and nightly walks to the illuminated Capitol building. 

Dining was also historically memorable for Riley. After his dinner at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant, they surprised him with their massive Titanic dessert that stirred up a lot of attention from onlookers, and also kindly gifted him a hat. Clyde’s of Gallery Place additionally served up excitement with a huge ribeye steak and lots of gifts including shirts, a tie, and Tervis mugs for his family. The Hard Rock Café further spoiled him with delicious meals, a shirt signed by staff, drumsticks and a book bag. They also enjoyed a fresh, farmer sourced brunch at Founding Farmers. All of the family’s meals were courtesy of the restaurants.

Riley had such an epic wish adventure full of history, magical moments, and family togetherness that he’ll always treasure.

He was born premature at just under two pounds, and developed periventricular leukomalacia, a softening of white brain tissue. At 6 months old, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and has since undergone multiple therapies, surgeries and lengthy hospitalizations. He also copes with seizures.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Riley without the help of The Florida Holocaust Museum, The Kimpton George Hotel, Carmine’s Italian Restaurant, Clyde’s of Gallery Place, Founding Farmers, The Hard Rock Café Washington D.C., 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.