Kids Wish Network Grants Allenton Teen’s Wish for a Cruise

Jan. 21, 2011 - PRLog -- ALLENTON, Wis. - When he was born, Paul was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, which is a chronic disease that causes mucus buildup to clog various organs. This condition often leads to life-threatening lung infections and also interferes with food absorption. Since his diagnosis, Paul has had to suffer through twice-daily breathing vest and nebulizer treatments as well as a strict daily medication regimen. He must use a feeding tube to gain extra nutrition and he has to visit his doctors frequently.

Paul’s uncle received a phone call from a Kids Wish Network professional fundraiser who asked if he knew of any child who might benefit from having a wish granted. Paul’s uncle told the caller about his nephew and, before he knew it, Paul was telling his wish coordinator that he wanted to enjoy a cruise for his wish.

With help from some outstanding sponsors, Paul’s wish coordinator set up an awesome family getaway for Paul, his sister Heather, his brother Matthew and their parents on a Carnival cruise bound for Key West, Fla. and Cozumel in Mexico.

Paul and his family drove to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. to meet the ship that would be carrying them on a luxurious cruise and, after a good night’s rest and a wonderful meal in the Sunshine State, they were ready to head out on the high seas as a Hummer limousine arrived to take them to the port authority.

“It was wonderful,” said Juliann, Paul’s mother. “It was very nice and limo was a great surprise…the driver gave Paul a t-shirt signed by a Miami Dolphin…it was so nice.”

On the Carnival cruise, Paul was a given a gift every day, treated to a tour of the ship, taken backstage to the onboard shows and given a free massage.

“They made him [Paul] feel wonderful, said Juliann. “They just treated all of us so well! We couldn’t have expected to be treated like we were.”

The ship stopped in Key West, Fla., where they went parasailing, and in Cozumel, Mexico, where Paul and his father and brother went snorkeling, zip lining and rock climbing. According to Juliann, Paul’s favorite activity was snorkeling in the clear blue waters.  

“It was so neat,” said Juliann. “Everyone had a great time. I can’t believe how well they treated us. It was a wonderful wish.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Paul’s wish extra special: American Legion Post 69, American Legion Post 483 Fohl-Martin Post, Farmers Implement LLC, Glacier Hills Credit Union, Hearts for Families, Firefighters Local IAFF 2025, Knights of Columbus Council 1964, West Bend Noon Kiwanis Club, Carnival Cruise Lines, A 2 Z Limousine, AirTran Airlines, Comfort Suites Airport & Cruise Port and Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Airport.

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 www.kidswishnetwork.org

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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