GOLDEN, Colo. (February 2024): Aerik thought he was going to Topgolf for a fun family outing. He was, but there was also something amazing to celebrate. Aerik found out that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true, and staff came together to spell it out in a big way. Six Topgolf employees stood side by side holding up big signs with individual letters spelling out Disney. There were also colorful balloons, and to sweeten the reveal, they also brought out a platter of their injectable donut holes with the message “Going to Disney” written in raspberry jam. There was no uncertainty, Aerik and his family were soon heading to Disney! The family’s golf time and dessert were kindly donated by Topgolf in Thornton.

In addition to Disney, his family is also receiving passes for Universal courtesy of the theme park, LEGOLAND passes provided by Merlin’s Magic Wand, and admission to the Kennedy Space Center. Kids Wish Network also purchased generous Disney gift cards for their accommodations, dining or souvenirs, and the means to cover additional expenses. 

“He is soooo excited!” said his mom Brittany. “He’s been watching videos like crazy, telling me everything he wants to do!” His family is literally counting down the days. 

When Aerik was a toddler, he had his first tonic seizure. It was alarming, coming on without any warning. Over the years they became even more scary. He experienced an episode that lasted five hours, requiring him to be intubated with a three-day hospital stay. His seizures have become more frequent over the years, and he has a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device implanted in his chest to help with frequency and recovery time. He also copes with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis, a condition that causes pain and damage in bones due to inflammation.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Aerik without the help of Universal, Merlin’s Magic Wand, Topgolf (Thornton, CO), and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.

Sponsor:

https://topgolf.com/us/thornton/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/topgolf 

IG: @topgolf

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.