Kids Wish Network Grants Louisiana Boy’s Only Wish to Visit Disney World

Nov. 18, 2010 - PRLog -- BORDELONVILLE, La. - At around 11-months-old, a blood test confirmed that little Joseph suffered from a neuromuscular disease called spinal muscular atrophy. This condition progressively weakens the voluntary muscles involved in activities such as walking, speaking, swallowing and breathing. Because of this, 6-year-old Joseph has never walked, can’t sit up and has no control over the muscles that hold up his head. He has endured surgery to correct a reflux disorder in his stomach and must be fed primarily via G-tube. While he sleeps, Joseph must use a BiPAP Machine to assist his breathing.

Knowing that her grandson deserved something special, Joseph’s grandmother referred him to national children’s charity Kids Wish Network to have a wish granted. When asked what he wanted for his wish, Joseph let everyone know that he wanted to visit the theme parks in Florida to meet his favorite characters.

“It was great,” said Joseph’s father, Brady. “We couldn’t have asked for anything better. He enjoyed it very much.”

While in Florida, Joseph and his family visited SeaWorld, Universal Studios, the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Everything fascinated Joseph and he loved nothing more than watching the colorful, interactive parades at the Disney Resort; he especially loved the way his favorite characters walked right up to him to greet him during the parades.

“As we were leaving, Joseph stated that he loved Disney World. He liked the parades most of all, especially the very first one when the characters came up to him,” said Maria, Joseph’s mother.

Though the family vacation was only a few days with lots of places for Joseph and his family to visit, Brady said that they set their own pace when it came to “park hopping” and they got to experience everything they wanted to.

During their final night in Orlando, Joseph’s Kids Wish Network wish coordinator had even arranged for the family to attend the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, an interactive dinner theater show. According to Brady, if he had to pick something that his little boy loved best about the wish trip, it would be the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure: “He was really excited throughout the whole thing…he loved it.”

Now that his wish has been granted, Joseph is ready and more than willing to head back to Orlando for another few days at the theme parks, although his parents say that enjoying the memories and going through the pictures and souvenirs will have to suffice for a while until they make it back to Florida.

“We are very, very thankful for everything everyone did,” said Brady of his son’s wish trip. “It was wonderful.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Joseph’s wish extra special: Compassion Partners, Regal Sun Resort, Candlewood Suites, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Wonderworks, The Cheesecake Factory, Travelodge Pensacola and Friendly’s Restaurant.  

Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experienced life-altering situations. Kids Wish Network assists children and their families through several key programs. Every child deserves a chance at happiness; a wish is just a way of bringing them that joy. 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 727-937-3600 or toll free  888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit their website at http://kidswishnetwork.org

Also, don't forget to vote for Kids Wish Network in the Pepsi Refresh Project. Visit http://www.refresheverything.com/kidswishnetwork to vote daily!

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Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children through their uniquely specialized programs.

http://www.kidswishnetwork.org