Kids Wish Network Gives Adaptive Computer to Illinois Boy with Sotos Syndrome

Jan. 21, 2011 - PRLog -- LYONS, Ill. - Jeremiah was born with various developmental delays so severe that he could not walk or talk. He was also malnourished and suffering from a curvature of his spine called scoliosis. Since he found a new home through adoption, Jeremiah has had a surgery to correct his scoliosis, although he still needs two more, and he is now able to walk a little bit with the assistance of a stroller. He also suffers from asthma and the effects of Sotos syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes various mental delays, low muscle tone and speech impairments.

One day, Jeremiah’s adoptive mother Georgina received a phone call from a Kids Wish Network professional fundraiser. The caller asked if Georgina knew of a child who suffered from a life-threatening illness and might need the joy a wish could provide; she told the caller about Jeremiah and, after exchanging paperwork with Kids Wish Network, her little boy was approved for a wish.

Although he doesn’t talk, Jeremiah let his teacher know that he wanted a computer to communicate and play games.

“It was very, very exciting for the whole family,” said Georgina of her little boy’s wish.

His wish coordinator arranged to have some adaptive switches to him and, on the day his wish was to be granted, Jeremiah and his family were picked up by a limousine and driven to Best Buy to pick up a brand new computer.

“He liked the limo,” said Georgina. “He was very surprised and very happy with the different colors and lights the limo had on the inside.”

When they got the computer home, Jeremiah’s teacher came over to help hook the adaptive switches up to the computer so the little boy could use it.

According to Georgina, once Jeremiah got on the computer, it was hard to get him to stop for anything else: “He was so very happy! He was laughing and he loves playing games on it. Thank you so much. He’s very, very happy.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Jeremiah’s wish extra special: Best Buy – North Riverside; RTA Products, LLC.; Switch in Time; Stretch Limousine, Inc.; and Don Johnston Incorporated.  

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