ORLANDO, Fla. (January 2024): Rilynn had no idea that dinner at her favorite restaurant would turn into something so memorable. Texas Roadhouse revealed that Kids Wish Network was making her dream come true, sending her to Orlando for a special family getaway. Her family’s celebratory dinner was compliments of Texas Roadhouse in Katy, Texas.

Kids Wish Network flew Rilynn and her family to Florida for her fun-filled adventure to Disney and Universal. There were so many amazing moments like riding the Jurassic Park VelociCoaster, and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man attractions at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. Rilynn also loved going to the Disney parks, especially the Star Wars area at Hollywood Studios, and riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT. 

The restaurants on her wish trip went above and beyond for Rilynn’s once-in-a-lifetime experience.  They dined at The Boathouse, an upscale waterfront restaurant at Disney Springs. The restaurant even surprised Rilynn and her family with a captain-guided tour in one of its vintage Amphicars. The amphibious car drove down a ramp and plunged right into the water for a voyage on Lake Buena Vista. It was such a unique experience, and one of Rilynn’s fondest memories. Miller’s Ale House also went all out for her visit. They decorated a section of the restaurant just for her, and gifted Rilynn a bag filled with goodies, a plaque honoring her as a Miller’s Ale House Employee of the Day, employee company swag and name tag, and 50 packs of Pokemon cards knowing how much she loves to collect them. They also enjoyed dining at LongHorn Steakhouse who made Rilynn feel special with their gracious hospitality. The family’s dinners were kindly donated by The Boathouse, Miller’s Ale House and LongHorn Steakhouse.

They had a rejuvenating stay at the Element Orlando International Drive that focuses on guest wellness and comfort. Their accommodations were generously provided by the hotel.

Rilynn’s getaway was the perfect way to celebrate her cancer victory, and recapture lost family time during her hospitalizations and treatments. The wish also revived Rilynn’s happiness. “I haven’t seen her so excited about anything in a long time,” said her mom Kara. “Thank you so much.”

Her health issues began with many painful and unusual symptoms that turned out to be a cancerous tumor diagnosed as Ewing sarcoma. Within a couple days of her diagnosis, she underwent surgery to remove part of her spine to alleviate pain and pressure. Within weeks she passed out and went into cardiac arrest. Rilynn was placed on life support for nearly a week due to an embolism/large blood clot. She pushed through intensive physical, speech and occupational therapies to relearn how to walk, talk, and eat. She also underwent chemo and radiation treatments. Rilyann is in remission, and continues to be monitored. She also sees a neurologist for seizures.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Rilynn without the help of Element Orlando International Drive, Universal Studios, The Boathouse at Disney Springs, Miller’s Ale House, LongHorn Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse (Katy, Texas) 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.