Young Cancer Survivor’s Wish Shows Her a Whole New World
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 2024): Cora is captivated by Disney Princesses, especially her favorite royal sisters Elsa and Anna from Frozen. She received a big surprise when her adored princesses came to visit her at her home. Cora jumped up and down as they came inside. They had big news to reveal, and they couldn’t hold it back anymore. After singing “Let it Go” with Cora, and reading her stories, they shared that Kids Wish Network was making her own fairytale dream come true, sending her to Disney, Universal and LEGOLAND! It all felt so magical. Elsa and Anna also had a gift of their own, giving Cora a Build-A-Bear plush dressed as Elsa. The celebration continued with a beautiful Elsa inspired princess cake donated by Festival Foods. The visit by Elsa and Anna were courtesy of Princess Parties by Pixie Dust.
Kids Wish Network flew Cora and her family to Orlando for her storybook wish. There were so many special moments like seeing the fireworks, Cora meeting her adored Disney Princesses, Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck at the Magic Kingdom, as well as the Frozen ride and meeting Anna and Elsa at EPCOT. LEGOLAND was colorful and full of fun with all the LEGO sculptures, shows and rides. Cora’s favorite attraction was their water park. Universal’s highlights were meeting lots of characters, and the Harry Potter and Minion rides.
The restaurants were also full of new experiences. Dinner at the Sugar Factory was whimsical and decadent. Cora had hamburger sliders served on brightly colored buns, and a colossal milkshake covered in sprinkles with a cupcake on top. They also enjoyed special dinners at Chili’s Bar & Grill, and Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar – Lake Buena Vista. The restaurants graciously provided the family’s meals. They were also invited to Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews, and have a gift card to dine at any location in the future. “Everyone was so nice,” said Cora’s mom Jenilee. “All of the staff and the restaurants were just amazing.”
Spacious suite accommodations were generously provided by Holiday Inn Express & Suites International Drive.
“Cora has a more overall view of different things in the world now,” said her mom. “She has been so confined to family, us and the hospital. Having her wish come true, she actually got to go out and about and see new things that I don’t think she even knew existed. Everything was absolutely incredible and amazing, and we are so grateful and thankful for what you all did for us. Cora had a blast!”
Cora has faced many challenges since her diagnosis of pro B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She underwent intense chemotherapy, and developed sepsis, needing life saving treatments. Almost a week later, she stopped breathing and was on a ventilator for several weeks. Cora went through 10 months of inpatient chemo, and needed monthly lumbar punctures to insert chemo into her spinal canal. When she completed inpatient chemo, she began oral chemo for a year and a half. Besides the difficulty of treatments, her family also had to limit social outings for such a long time. She’s been through multiple surgeries, and copes with additional health complications. Cardiologists will continue to monitor her heart.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Cora without the help of Holiday Inn Express & Suites International Drive, Sugar Factory Orlando, Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar – Lake Buena Vista, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews, Universal, Disney, Merlin’s Magic Wand for admission to LEGOLAND, Chili’s Bar & Grill, Princess Parties by Pixie Dust, Festival Foods, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.
Sponsors:
Princess Parties by Pixie Dust
FB: www.facebook.com/PixieDustPerformances/
Festival Foods
www.festfoods.com/stores/new-london
FB: www.facebook.com/festivalfoodsnewlondonwi/
IG: festfoods
Holiday Inn Express & Suites- International Drive
www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/orlando/mcocd/hoteldetail
FB: www.facebook.com/holidayinnidrive/
IG: holidayinnsuitesinternational
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews
FB: www.facebook.com/RedRobinBurgers/
IG: redrobinburgers
Chili’s Bar & Grill
https://www.chilis.com/locations/us/florida/orlando/i-drive
FB: www.facebook.com/p/Chilis-Grill-Bar-100090065588845/
IG: chilis
Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar- LBV
https://hungrycrabseafood.com/lakebuenavista.html
FB: www.facebook.com/p/Hungry-Crab-Seafood-Bar-Lake-Buena-Vista-Orlando-100076278537934
Sugar Factory Orlando
https://sf3.sugarfactory.com/orlando-fl
FB: www.facebook.com/p/Sugar-Factory-Orlando-100090032377545
IG: sugarfactoryorlando
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.