Our Wish Kids
Nina - 2007
Nina is a ten-years-old little girl who is outgoing but
shy at first. Her favorite colors are princess colors: pink and purple.
Little Nina is a princess in her own way. She loves to dress up, host
tea parties, and loves watching the Disney channel. "Pretty, Pretty
Princess" is her favorite game which she likes to play with her mom and
younger sister, Sara. Nina lives wither her family in Chicago where she
attends Pressing School for her fourth grade studies. Some of her other
favorite activities are dancing, painting, cooking, doing arts and
craft, and watching movies.
When Nina was just two and half years old she was
diagnosed with Epilepsy and after three years of that, she is now
diagnosed with central nervous system vasculitis (CNS) which is a
condition where the body's immune system attacks arteries of the brain,
causing inflammation.
This little princess wished to have breakfast with the
all the Princesses in Disney. The family was picked up in limo and given
the royal treatment from start to finish. They were able to stay at Give
Kids the World Village, a village created for special children just like
Nina. She was able to go the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, Animal
Kingdom, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Sea World! And
last but not least, Nina was ale to enjoy breakfast with all of the
Disney princesses – it was a experience she will never forget!
James - 2007
 Ten-year-old James is an upbeat, fantastic, and happy
child. His mother describes him as "a joy to be with." He lives with his
mom in Chicago, where is attends his special education classes. James
loves bright colors, stuffed animals, and cartoons. "Hey Arthur" is his
favorite cartoon, which he never likes missing. James also enjoys
playing with colorful Slinkies when he is at home.
When James was just six months old, he was diagnosed
with Cerebral Palsy and also has a seizure disorder and a G-tube.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term encompassing neurological
disorders that cause physical disability in human development,
specifically the human movement and posture.
James dreamed of visiting Disney World. Thanks to
Make-A-Wish, his biggest wish ever was granted in May 2007 when he spent
an entire week of magical fantasy at Disney World. His family stayed at
Give Kids The World Village, a resort specially designed for kids like
James. It includes the Gingerbread House restaurant and an ice cream
parlor. James and his family spent the week together exploring all of
Disney World's theme parks. He now has memories of a fun-filled week
spent relaxing with his family and meeting all of his favorite Disney
characters!
Arlene - 2007
 Arlene is a happy seventeen-year-old from Skokie who
likes the color green and the book "Pride and Prejudice." She likes
snacking on ice cream, but her favorite food is sushi. Her favorite
restaurant is Hong Kong Buffet and her favorite type of music is
Japanese rock/pop. Arlene is very interested in Japanese culture,
including the language, origami, and anime.
In July of 2004 Arlene was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus
Erythematosus (SLE). SLE is a disease where the immune system attacks
the body's cells and tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue
damage. Joint pain, fever and fatigue are some common symptoms.
Due to her love of Asian food and culture, Arlene had
always dreamed of going to Tokyo, Japan. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish
Foundation, Arlene, her parents, and her four siblings were whisked away
to Tokyo in June of 2007 for eight days. The trip gave Arlene the
opportunity to explore all of the different cultural aspects of Tokyo,
ranging from theaters and shrines to shopping centers! Because she likes
to travel, the trip made her very happy to be alive. Also, according to
her father, the wish experience gave Arlene a more positive in her mind
and spirit.
"Every child in her position should have a wish
granted," Arlene's father said regarding the reason he wanted his
daughter to have her wish granted.
Stephanie - 2006
Stephanie is an easy going five-year-old who lives
with her parents and little brother in Hanover Park. She was diagnosed
with a brain tumor in 2001 and has undergone surgery. Due to her
illness, she is partially blind but she does not let this slow her
down. Stephanie is very independent. Her wish was to go on a
Disney Cruise. In April of 2005 her wish came true.
While on the Disney cruise, Stephanie got the chance to ride in a glass
bottom boat and see the marine life up close. During the cruise Pluto
made a rare appearance that made her day! "She absolutely fell in love
with him," her mother said. "He walked right up to her and gave her a
big hug, she was so happy." She would love the whole trip and loves to
tell everyone how much fun she had!
 Aide - 2006
Five-year-old Aide lives with her family in Elgin. At
the tender age of four, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic
Leukemia, the most common malignancy in children. Despite regular visits
with the doctor for checkups and treatments, Aide finds time to have fun
and just be a kid.
Aide's dream to visit Disney World came true when the whole family took
a wonderful trip to the Magic Kingdom. The family stayed at Give Kids
The World Resort, a special place for children with illnesses like
Aide's. The unquestioned highlight of the trip for Aide was a hug she
got from Cinderella. The whole trip was a great break for Aide and her
family from the doctors and hospitals!
 Daryl - 2005
Five year old Daryl is a budding food and music connoisseur.
Possessing quite a sweet tooth, he loves to eat anything chocolate, and
has a penchant for tropical fruits such as guava and papaya. One of his
favorite activities is going to Jewel to shop for groceries. Daryl also
appreciates music of any kind, especially if it’s played live, and loves
games that involve music in some way. Daryl also loves Clifford, the big
red dog. One of his favorite past times is being read his stories or
watching the Clifford movies or television shows.
In February of 1999 Daryl was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Although
there are several complications, Daryl continues to remain both positive
and brave. Daryl and his parents believe that Disney World would be a
well enjoyed and much-needed break from Daryl’s medical struggles. His
parents knew he would love Disney World, and that it would be an
uplifting and exciting experience for Daryl.
In March, Daryl’s wish came true, and he started his fairytale
journey to the Give Kids the World village in Florida with a limo ride
to the airport. The Give Kids the World Village is a place for kids just
like Daryl battling life threatening illnesses. Daryl loved every minute
of it! Daryl got to eat ice cream in the ice cream palace, and go into
the Castle of Miracles, but his absolute favorite part was riding the
train from the Amberville Train station! Daryl’s parents said he didn’t
have a care in the world when he was riding that train! Daryl’s Disney
World vacation was exciting and fun from start to finish. He will
definitely remember his journey for years to come!
 Kenneth - 2005
Thirteen year old Kenneth loves computers and video games. He spends
a majority of his time on both. His favorite games are Halo and Halo 2
for Playstation, which he loves to play on teams with his friends. His
favorite book is even the novel based on the Halo game. Kenneth was
diagnosed with congenital heart defect in 1991. Congenital heart defect
is when the heart or blood vessels near the heart do not develop
normally before birth. Kenneth’s current condition consists of truncus
arteriosus (is characterized by a large ventricular septal defect over
which a large, single great vessel (truncus) arises. This single great
vessel carries blood both to the body and to the lungs).
So it was no surprise that when Kenneth was referred to the
Make-A-Wish Foundation for a congenital heart defect that he would
choose to have an electronics spree. Kenneth could not wait to receive
the X Box with seven controllers so he and his friends can play video
games at the same time. To go with his X Box, he received the compatible
version for Halo 2. It’s not the same to have an X Box and not be able
to play DVDs, so Kenneth also received the video playback, and if he’s
going to have such a sweet gaming system, Kenneth also received a new
television projection screen. After experiencing such a magnificent
wish, hopefully Kenneth and his family will remember this experience for
years to come! Thank you, The Buffy Slay-A-Thon for making this wish a
reality.
 Timanthony
- 2005
Timanthony is an out-going eighteen-year-old who lives with his
family in Springfield. Timanthony loves to listen to music, watch TV.
and movies. Timanthony was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
in 2004.
Timanthony’s wished to visit Hawaii, and to spend a few days in the
sun relaxing and taking his mind off his illness. Timanthony’s wish came
true in June. Timanthony and his family got whisked away in a limo and
taken to the tropical paradise, where Timanthony had never been before.
Timanthony and his family enjoyed the scenic views of Hawaii, including
the breathtaking beaches and the exotic volcanoes. One of Timanthony’s
favorite parts of the trip was snorkeling with the exotic and colorful
fish. He also really enjoyed the shopping. Timanthony and his family
shared an exciting and relaxing vacation that they will cherish for
years to come.
Stephanie - 2004
Stephanie is a sweet, loveable sixteen-year-old girl from Deerfield,
where she lives with her mom and her twin sister Gia. Stephanie’s
favorite color is pink and she loves Italian food, mainly pasta and
pizza. She loves many different activities, including tennis, gymnastics
and cheerleading. When she is looking for something a little more
relaxing, Stephanie enjoys watching her favorite TV. shows including 7th
Heaven and Everwood. Stephanie also loves playing with her dog.
In October of 1987, only three months after she was born, Stephanie
was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, an illness that affects the lungs
and leads to many breathing problems. However despite her illness,
Stephanie continues to stay busy with her various activities and
interests. She remains positive and cheerful, and continues doing the
things that she loves.
Since Stephanie’s favorite food is Italian, it is not a surprise that
she wished to go to Italy and eat real Italian food!! In July of 2004,
Stephanie’s wish came true! Stephanie flew to various places in Italy,
and her mom, twin sister, and her mom’s friend all got to go along! They
began their adventures in Florence spending five days there and seeing
all the beautiful sights it had to offer, not to mention eating
Stephanie’s favorite pastas and pizzas! Next the limousine met them at
their hotel and delivered them to the train, which they took to Rome!
They spent two nights in Rome, enjoying the ancient architecture and
world-famous shopping. Stephanie and her family will remember their
European adventure for years to come, and will have lasting memories
from their overseas journey!
 Jennifer -
2004
Jennifer is a happy nine-year-old girl living in Hanover Park with
her parents and younger brother Carlos. Her favorite colors are red and
yellow, and she especially likes eating pasta and pizza. Jennifer loves
toys that make noise, and also enjoys watching Barney and Mickey Mouse
cartoons! However Jennifer’s absolute favorite thing to do is swim.
In December of 1996, Jennifer was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
Cerebral Palsy usually stems from a complication at birth or in the
months right after birth, where there is significant brain damage
leading to possible speech difficulties and limited motor skills or
other problems. Jennifer also suffers from Epilepsy, which is an illness
of the brain that results in unprovoked seizures. Despite these
hardships, Jennifer remains positive and upbeat, and is never forgets to
smile.
Since Jennifer loves to swim, it is no surprise that she wished to go
to Hawaii and swim with the dolphins. In March 2004, Jennifer’s wish
came true! Her and her family were whisked away to the tropical Waikiki
Beach for some fun in the sun! Jennifer got to see the dolphins at
Dolphin Quest, and was able to touch and also swim with them! Jennifer
was overjoyed and her parents said it was a once in a lifetime
experience. The Family also got to go on a Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise,
visit the Sea Life Park, and even attend a traditional Luau at Paradise
Cove! Jennifer and her family had a tropical vacation they will surely
never forget, and memories that will last a lifetime!
Laura - 2003
Laura is a sweet, energetic five-year-old girl from Chicago, where she
lives with her parents and older brothers Isaac and Ricardo. Her
favorite color is Barbie pink, which is no surprise considering her
favorite things in the entire world are her Barbie Dolls! Besides her
Barbies, Laura also loves to swim and to ride her bike. Her favorite
movies are Barbie as Nutcracker and Barbie as Rapunzel! She also loves
Mickey Mouse, and especially playing with her doll house.
In July of 2003, Laura was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumor, which is a
cancerous tumor originating in the cells of the kidneys. Laura is
undergoing chemotherapy, and is fighting the tumor courageously. Despite
these medical setbacks, Laura remains cheerful and positive.
Laura’s love of Mickey Mouse led her to wish for a trip to Disney Worlds
to meet Mickey Mouse in person. Laura’s wish was granted in November of
2003. Laura and her entire family were whisked away in a limo to board a
plane to Florida, where they began their adventures to Disney World!
Laura went to the Give Kids the World Village, which is a place for
children just like Laura battling life threatening illnesses. She got to
go to the Castle of Miracles, and got to eat in the Gingerbread House
Restaurant. However Laura’s favorite part was meeting Cinderella and
Mickey Mouse! Laura and her family shared an exciting and fun-filled
vacation, filled with laughs and memories that will last a lifetime!
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