Kids Wish Network Grants Disney Wish to Brooklyn Boy with Muscular Dystrophy

Feb. 22, 2011 - PRLog -- BROOKLYN, New York - At 18-months-old, Prague Jr. was diagnosed with having muscular dystrophy. This is a congenital degenerative muscle disease that critically weakens the body’s muscles over time. In Prague Jr.’s case, this condition has primarily weakened the muscles he uses to breathe and walk; in fact, as an infant, he could not crawl or even sit up. He was in the hospital for two-and-a-half years after contracting pneumonia and he has even suffered through a tracheotomy. He relies on a wheelchair for mobility and must use a ventilator at night. In addition, Prague Jr. becomes ill very quickly, is monitored by a nurse for 16 hours a day and must use a feeding tube for supplemental nutrition as well as a percussion vest and nebulizer machine to assist his breathing.

While in the hospital, a social worker mentioned to Prague’s parents that he might be able to have a wish granted through national children’s charity Kids Wish Network. When he was asked to choose a wish to be granted by a Kids Wish Network wish coordinator, little Prague Jr. said that he wanted to meet Mickey Mouse at Disney World. According to his father, Prague Sr., “That’s all he ever wanted to do.” With assistance from some outstanding local sponsors in New York and in Florida, Prague Jr.’s wish would come true.

After a nice flight down to Florida, Prague Jr., his mother and his father were pleased to follow an itinerary provided by Prague’s wish coordinator that included accommodations, dinners every evening and, of course, tickets to every Disney theme park that Prague Jr. could ever want to visit.

“He was so excited,” said Prague Sr. “We enjoyed the wish very much.”

During the wish, Prague Jr. and his family visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot Center and the Magic Kingdom.

According to Prague Jr., his favorite parts of the wish trip were meeting Woody and Buzz Lightyear of “Toy Story” fame and riding the Dumbo ride. Also, Prague Jr. was proud to have met his favorite mouse and said, “I found Mickey! I saw him in the show and the parade!”

During their final evening in Orlando, Prague Jr. and his family enjoyed a meal at the Pirates Dinner Adventure show, where he happily donned a hat and “became” a pirate.

“It was more than just a dream,” said Prague Sr. of his son’s wish trip. “I was astounded. Everything was great. I don’t even know if I can thank you [at Kids Wish Network] enough.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Prague Jr.’s wish extra special: American Legion Post 1380, CWA Local 1109, Compassion Partners, Ruby Tuesday’s, Beef O’Brady’s, Wonderworks and Pirates Dinner Adventure Theater.

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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