Alecia's Wish 

From Alecia's Mom:

 "Words cannot begin to describe how thankful we all are to A wish Come True for granting Alecia's wish to go to Disney World.  What you do for children with illnesses is amazing.  Every child deserves their wish and we would like to help make wishes come true for other children.  Alecia's wish was a wonderful experience that will never be forgotten.  We are grateful for everything." 

Warmest wishes for the Holiday season,
 Alecia's Mom Tracy

Alyssa's Wish

 

- A swing set -

"I think the entire wish experience was wonderful and my husband and I plan to help raise money for A Wish Come True - that way we can help other children to get their wishes!"

Thank you,
Alyssa's Mom and Dad

 

"Caleb and our family had a great time.  It really was a truly magical experience for him.  He enjoyed every minute of the trip.  The people were truly amazing.  At the parks he got royal treatment.  The characters were so great with him.  This truly was a wish come true!"

Thank you so much! 
Caleb & family

 

"We loved Casey's whole wish, a trip to Disney world!  The limo ride, the greeters at the airport, the place we stayed and all the wonderful volunteers that are there to make our stay so comfortable!  Of course, Disney was great too, but just the trip and the stay right at Give Kids the World would have been enough!"

 Thank you so much. The wish was greatly appreciated. 
From Casey's Mom

"Everything was wonderful starting with the wish granters to the entire trip, the limo driver, pilot, flight attendants, and everyone at Give Kids the World and all at Disney!  There is nothing at all that my child would change about his wish!  Thank you all once again for making this wish come true for my son Michael!" 

Lisa - Michael’s Mom

"Our family experience on Katie's' wish trip can only be described as "A Wish Come True."  There was absolutely no down side to anything and nothing was average.  Everything was way above average.  For Katie the royal treatment she received every single day at Give Kids the World, as well as the many wonderful kindnesses given her at Disney made her never want to leave.  Every aspect from beginning to end was exceptional.  The limo ride to the airport was a first for the kids and the driver took the long way to the airport (we live nearly around the corner).  We arrived in style, checked in at the airport and Katie was allowed on the plane before every one else to meet the pilot and see the cockpit.  The flight was a first for the kids and thanks to a flight attendant who could easily be a comedian our flight was extremely enjoyable.  When we arrived a nice young couple who volunteer for Give Kids the World greeted us and helped us find our rental car.  They were so nice.  We easily found the village and enjoyed a fun dance and party that evening.  Our experiences at the parks were great and we have nothing but great things to say about all the Disney employees.  The village was a warm and welcoming place to come home to each night."

Thanks for the wonderful memories,
Katie's Mom & Dad

"To all of you at A Wish Come True, Inc.:

 You made it happen for my daughter and family to go on this wonderful trip.  We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate everything you did for us.  The place at Give Kids the World where we stayed was so amazing that we will never forget all the people that we met there. Thank you so much for giving Nicole this trip of a lifetime, especially Rosemary, Beverly, Shirley & Diana, and many more behind the scenes!"

 Thanks & Many Thanks, 
Ana, Nicole's Mom

"A simple thank you does not suffice to all you have done for us and do on a daily basis.  It still brings a lump in my throat to know what my son has been through and still might have to endure someday, but it warms our entire family and friends hearts on all you have done for Pierce.  With more gratitude than words can convey and on behalf of Pierce, we all thank you."

Thanks to all who had any part in Pierce's wish. 
Pierce's Family

Sabrina's Wish

"I am saying a never ending Thank you!  Sabrina loves her Hot Tub!  This was truly a wish come true for her."

Thank you!! 
Big Hugs, 
Caroline, Sabrina's Mom

Vanessa's Wish

A Shopping Spree - In her own words...

"I thought that my wish of a shopping spree was GREAT!  I had the best experience with A Wish Come True!  I wouldn't change any of it!"

Vanessa

Graham's Wish 

In his own words...

"The trip to New York was amazing, it really was.  I don't think I can go on any trips anymore, because they can't possibly compare to this one!!  The performance of Wicked completely blew me away, it was the best theater I have ever seen!  The backstage tour which you arranged was also incredible.  Backstage, I met Megan Hilty (who played Glinda), Jan Neuberger (who played Madam Morrible) and Shoshana Bean (who played Elphaba, the Wicked Witch).  We saw all the pieces of the set, their props...everything!  Anthony even put me in one of his Emerald City costumes!  Anyways, I've attached some pictures.  They are of the sign outside the Gershwin Theater (where Wicked is) and I, Megan Hilty and I, me in one of Anthony's Emerald City costumes (with Anthony in the back)!  Thank you so so so so much for the amazing experience!  I will never forget it!!"

Thanks again! 
Graham

Michael's Wish

In his own words…

"My wish was to go to Oakland and meet the Raiders and see a Raiders game.  As you can guess I am a huge Raider fan.  I was picked up in a limo and took a flight to Oakland.  There I stayed in a hotel very close to the Oakland Coliseum.  I even got to go with the team in the police escort to the game.  It was unreal.  On New Years Eve day was the game.  I met most of the players, got to attend the pre-game on the field with the players and then watched the game!  It was awesome! 
I had the greatest time thanks to A Wish Come True!"

Most eleven-year-old girls referred to A Wish Come True generally choose destinations like Disney World as their wish, so it came as a mild surprise to learn that Ali had other plans. Her wish request was to provide a room in her family’s basement where she would be able to have a place to entertain her friends.  Her wish, though not an easy task, became our command – with the help of many caring people in the community.

With the help of some very generous businesses and individuals in the community, Ali’s room took top priority in many schedules.

Grossman’s of Stoughton, Home Depot of South Attleboro and Sampson Lumber of Pembroke have supplied all of the building materials; Eric Ayre & Jamie Standring of Top Cat Construction in North Attleboro put together a team of workers to construct Ali’s room; Mark Donovan of Bill’s Home Improvement in Sharon provided all of the electrical work; STP Plastering Co. of Plainville was in charge of plastering; Sunrise Painting painted the room with paint donated by Sherwin Williams of North Attleboro; carpeting was installed by Anselone Flooring of Mansfield; Mike Robertson of Berkeley contributed a drop ceiling; Dowling Corporation of Wrentham supplied the dumpster needed for construction refuse; and special thanks to JS Construction in Seekonk, John Reilly of JRR & Son Construction in North Attleboro and Sheri Quaglia of Northern Realty in Lincoln, R.I.!

In his Mom’s words…

"The people at Rams’ Park in St. Louis treated all of us like royalty; we were let into practice, the locker room, and the training room. The players all came up to John and treated him with so much respect, and one player, Dane Looker, gave John his baseball cap and gloves he wore at the previous game. They ended the practice with John in the huddle, all signed his football, and he got the chance to meet Marshall Faulk, he flew in from LA to do a benefit and stopped in to give John a few minutes of his time.  A personal friend of Faulk actually came to the hotel the night before and gave John every possible item with the Rams logo, and some autographed items, including a jersey.  He was greeted at the hotel with two large baskets of all kinds of things.

"The game was absolutely awesome, even though they lost it was a great game and we were on the sidelines the entire time.  During halftime the PR guy took us to the owner’s box to have lunch, which was cool.  If they had won the game the coach wanted John to go in the locker room and even be on TV if possible.  But that didn't happen, and there was no way he was disappointed, it was his dream come true.  I cannot wait for you to get the pictures; you will get a glimpse of how wonderful this entire wish turned out. "

Israel is four years old- young to most of us, of course.  Yet in his four years he has been through more than most people go through in their entire lifetime.  Israel was born premature; he could fit in the palm of his Daddy's hands when he first came into this world.  

Israel's stay in the hospital at his birth was much longer than Mom & Dad expected.  But he did come home and when he did, he started to thrive.  Last year when Israel was three, he had to endure another fight - liver cancer.  After numerous treatments of chemotherapy and radiation, his doctors finally removed the cancer, with the hope that the cancer would not grow back.  Again, Israel fought back.  

When Israel's wish granters met with him, he told them that he wanted to play X Box with his Dad and have a TV and DVD in his bedroom.  So, Beverly Molles, our Program Services Director, went to Best Buy to purchase Israel's special wish.  While in the store, one of AWCT's special friends and donors, John Ponte, spoke with Beverly.  Once he found out why she was there, he did something that was most extraordinary.  He told the store clerk to put Israel's wish on his charge card and nonchalantly walked over to Beverly to tell her to put away her charge card!  He explained that he is so thankful to have 3 healthy children that it was the least he could do, for Israel.  And, for A Wish Come True!

A Disney Cruise

In their own words...

We wanted to thank you for Gracie’s beautiful 

wish trip. The entire family had a great time. 

Gracie met every character on board more than 

once.  The staff on the Disney Wonder helped us 

any way they could and Nadia, our personal 

helper, did everything she could to make it a trip 

we will never forget.  We cannot say thank you 

enough.  From the moment we left with the limo 

ride, to getting on the plane, bus, and boat and 

back, every step of the way was as easy as ever.

  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gracie’s Family  

In Mom’s words…

Connor had the most incredible time! He keeps

 asking when he is going back! Everyone at Island

 Dolphin Care was so nice & helpful. They showed

 Connor and his brother and sisters such a great

 time! The dolphins were just amazingly gentle and

 smart! Dina & Pete at Island Dolphin Care were

 awesome too! The whole experience was wonderful!

 Spirit Airlines was wonderful too! Connor got to sit

 in the captain’s seat and wear her hat & they made

 a special announcement over the speaker.

Gratefully yours,

Connor’s Family

Bryan's Wish 

In their own words…

" Bryan had the time of his life in Disney World, 

Universal Studios and Sea World.  He loved Give 

Kids the World Village so much that he craved going 

back early every day. The week could not have been 

any better.  We thought my son’s illness would make 

our trip very stressful but with all the planning and 

prep work you did and Denise and the staff at Give 

Kids the World, Bryan could eat and not worry.  We 

all had the time of our lives. "

Gratefully yours,

Bryan's Mom & Dad

Ter's Wish 

In his doctor's words…

"I have been thinking about letting you know about the outcome of this wish for Ter.  This wish was granted a year ago and I really wanted to let you know that from all the wishes I have seen, this has been the one that has had the most significant impact in a child’s life.  Ter is a young boy who has multiple brain and spinal cord cavernous hemangiomas that cause him to have seizures.  Throughout the years I have known him, I have never seen him smile and he has never looked me in the eye.  He was always looking at the floor, his shoulders slumped and it always looked to me that he was totally defeated.  He comes from a large family of healthy children and I feel that he felt there was no place for him.  I think he realized how serious his situation was and there was no hint of hope or happiness in his life.

When we started talking about Ter getting involved in A Wish Come True, he took the news with a degree of excitement that I have never seen in him before.  The big difference was when I saw him for the first time after he came home from his trip from Disney World.  For the first time in many, many years, he came in with his head held high, smiling, even laughing, and looked at me in the eyes.  He was happy and he told me about Disney World and what a wonderful time he had and how he would love to go back again.  He was dressed in one of the T-shirts he got at Disney World and he brought me a gift.  I have never seen such a major transformation in a child.  Over the past year, when he comes in to see me, he continues with the same disposition.  I think this trip gave him a ray of hope and that there are good things in life for him.

This is the greatest gift that this institution has given to a child.  Thank you very much."

Sincerely,

Maria C. Younes, M.D.

Julia's Wish 

One of Julia’s favorite TV shows is Extreme Makeover.  So, when it came time for Julia to select her wish, she wanted A Wish Come True to "makeover" her bedroom, and she was very specific about what she wanted.  She wanted a room filled with fairies painted on her walls, a hospital bed decorated so beautifully that one would assume it just came that way and completely decorated from top to bottom!

A Wish Come True contacted Patti Wagner Miller, a local interior decorator from North Attleboro .  Patti provided all of the interior decorating and called upon her friends and acquaintances to help with this very special wish.  California Closets donated a brand new closet system; Steve Anderson, from Anderson ’s Handyman Service of Rhode Island painted the walls; Christine Hannon of Hannon Art Works in North Scituate, RI painted a most extraordinary mural -  which even includes a self portrait of Julia within; and designer Joy Nardella at Cardi’s helped in selection of the right furniture.  The end result is a magically created room for Julia, which is now her wish come true!

Brendan's Wish 

In Mom’s Words...

"We cannot say enough how greatly appreciated this wish was.  It was the best feeling as a Mom to see my son enjoy every second of his wish.  

I think it was the first time since he was 6 months old that he didn’t have therapy for an entire week.  I really think he enjoyed living a “normal” life for one week.  He was beaming all day, every day.  

We cannot thank everyone enough for this memorable experience!  It could not have been more enjoyable for everyone."

Thank you!

Brendan’s Mom

Emma's Wish 

In Dad’s words...

I cannot begin to tell you how I feel as a parent of a child with cancer or how moved I am after our wish trip.  It was the experience of a lifetime at just the perfect time in our lives.  

Emma’s diagnosis and chemotherapy treatments began a year ago (still 2 to go). Emma got to miss a week of school, a week of chemo clinic at Hasbro, and she got to laugh and play with such wonder and amazement in her eyes. She is doing very well through her treatments and the long term prognosis is excellent.  My children have grown up a lot in 2 years - been through a lot, and at the perfect time, Emma’s wish trip really added to what I’ve been working hard to do - give the kids a sense of FAMILY! 

The five of us shared the most memorable experience that will foster greater things for many years to come - God Bless you, and all that you do for everyone who is touched by A Wish Come True!

Emma’s Dad, Bob  

Andrew's Wish

Andrew is a fairly typical three-year-old boy, who likes “Dora the Explorer,” anything yellow and his twin brother Jake as his playmate!

The problem, however, is that Andrew is really anything but a typical little boy.  Andrew’s medical condition requires frequent hospitalization– and it takes him away from his brother, Jake.  When Andrew’s case was presented to A Wish Come True, and he was asked about what his wish might be, Andrew said simply he wanted to “have more fun with Jake.”   

The wish became a bedroom makeover, in a fun theme for the two brothers, so the time they had together could be well spent!   

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Christine Hannon, of Hannon Art Works in North Scituate , RI , Andrew and Jake’s bedroom was hand-painted with a seascape mural, with surf, sand, a beach buggy and both boys’ names painted on the walls.  Then, interior designer Patti Wagner-Miller of North Attleboro , MA added her expertise in choosing the bedding and accoutrements perfect for two growing boys.  Henry Ritchotte from Rooms To Grow in Warwick provided double bunk beds with dressers, with the added attraction of a tent on top – perfect for two precocious three-year-olds!

Andrew’s mother now says she hears giggling and laughter coming from the new bedroom – something she has not heard in a very long time.  

That makes this makeover wish a real “wish come true!”

Matthew’s Wish

(in his family's words...)

"Matthew had a wonderful time, truly a memorable experience.  His wish granters were wonderful.  Carnival Cruise Lines were also wonderful.  Matthew got to go back stage for one of the shows and he also got to go on the bridge and sit in the “Captains Chair."  

Words cannot describe how grateful we are and how wonderful your organization is.  Once again with heartfelt gratitude - Thank You!!"

Love,

Matthew’s Family  

Chezney’s Wish

(in Mom's words...)

"A simple phrase like “thank you” does not seem to capture the depth of our gratitude.  In 2005, when Chezney was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, my world was shattered.  As you may have heard from other parents that suffered through similar experiences, my life was no longer mine.  My single reason for being was to take care of my child and make sure her needs were met as best as possible.  So, when the wish granters arrived at our home in July 2006, one month shy of Chezney’s one year anniversary of her battle with cancer, a vacation was the last thing on my mind.  Although, I appreciated the gesture.

"However, with the help of great doctors and staff at Hasbro and the support of family and friends, Chezney has beaten her cancer!  She’s been in remission since September 2007.  She still struggles with the late affects of chemotherapy and radiation but we continue to do what we can to not let cancer impair our lives.

"Chezney’s wish trip to Disney World was amazing.  Thanks to you and your organization and donors, our family had an unbelievable time.  Since losing her hair to chemotherapy, Chezney has slept with a Sleeping Beauty doll, twirling the dolls' hair all night long.  You will note in the enclosed picture, Chezney fidgeting with her skirt when she met Sleeping Beauty, this moment to me was priceless.  Not only was Disney a wish come true for Chezney but seeing my little girl meet her favorite princess melted my heart and I owe that all to you.

"You do amazing work and create memories that will last a lifetime!"

Sincerely,

Chezney’s Mom

Hanging out with Hanna Montana!

As told by Barbara Morse Silva of WJAR-TV Channel 10!  Click the link below to play!

Teen's Wish is Granted

Joni’s Wish

In Mom’s Words…

"Joni and I extend sincere and abundant thanks to you, Dori Alger, and everyone at A Wish Come True for our recent, fantastic visit to beautiful Hawaii.  We had the most amazing time!  Our room at the Ohana Beachcomber felt like home (except there we had an ocean view!)  It was a beautiful hotel in the heart of everything that is wonderful in Waikiki.

This getaway was just what the doctor ordered.  We were able to leave our worries and daily stresses behind for an entire week, and that is very good medicine for the soul.  Joni’s diagnosis really took a toll on her spirit, but this year - her senior year in high school - I have seen many positive changes in her, academically, spiritually, with her friendships, and her overall well-being.  She seems very much like her old self, from a time before the concerns and what ifs of her medical condition began.

This vacation represented a major turning point of "out with the old and in with the new."  It has caused us to reflect on all that we have been through the past couple of years but also has given us plenty of thoughts of hope and optimism as we look toward the future.

We feel blessed to have received this gift from A Wish Come True, and Joni and I will never forget the caring and kindness of your wonderful organization.  We enclose a few photos to show you just how much fun we had!  Thank you for all you have done to help make Joni’s wish for travel come true."

Kind regards,

Joni’s Mom

by Jessica Selby, Kent County Daily Times/Coventry Courier

Christopher Carlino may not be able to make the trip to Africa as he wished, but he can envision what the country looks like every night when he puts his head on his pillow.

The eight year old recently had his bedroom redecorated by Christine McIntyre-Hannon, a professional muralists contracted through “A Wish Come True,” a local wish granting agency.
Carlino was referred to the agency by his parent child consultant from Hasbro Children’s Hospital, where he was receiving treatment for Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma (NLPHL), a type of Hodgkin's disease.  Carlino was diagnosed with the disease at the age of seven.  

He underwent four months of chemotherapy to treat the cancer, but is today, just about a year later, doing much better.  The Coventry youngster is currently in remission and according to his parents, John and Susan, has been given a “good” prognosis.
“We go back every three months to have Christopher rechecked, and his doctor’s tell us that he won’t actually be considered cancer-free for five years, but his prognosis is good and if you ask him, he says that he feels good so we are grateful,” Susan Carlino, Christopher’s mother, said.

Although that news came as the greatest relief they had heard in over a year, Carlino said that this most recent occasion that happened for him through “A Wish Come True,” was an additional highlight for the family.  She said that she was “floored” when she received the call from the “A Wish Come True” foundation notifying them that Christopher had been referred for a wish and had been approved to go through the process.

“Things like that just don’t happen to us,” John Carlino, Christopher’s father said.  “You see things like this on TV, but not in real life.”

To his amazement, it did happen for the Carlino family.  Beverly Molles, of “A Wish Come True,” contacted the Carlino family and arranged for two wish granters to come in and meet the family at their home.  During that initial visit with the wish granters, Christopher decided what he wanted for his wish; he wanted his bedroom to be transformed into an “African Jungle.”

To read the entire article - CLICK HERE

Caitlynn’s Wish

In Mom's words...

"The wish was a once in a lifetime, memorable experience.  We were treated like VIP’s everywhere we went and absolutely loved the week we spent in Florida .  Give Kids the World was incredible, they thought of everything you could possibly need.

"It was truly A Wish Come True for our whole family.  What a wonderful time we all had and Caitlynn felt wonderful and got away from the hospital & doctors.  We really appreciate everything.

"We are so glad we chose A Wish Come True, Inc., you are the BEST!!"

Caitlynn’s Family

What a day!

Maybe not every little boy's dream is to visit with some of his heroes, but for six-year-old Adam from Coventry, RI - meeting the Boston Red Sox was definitely at the top of his list!

This past season, Adam and his cousin Robbie (also pictured here) were lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend a game at Fenway Park - and it just so happened the day of their scheduled "meet and greet" came up with the New York Yankees in town!  

The Red Sox players were most accommodating - outfielder Jason Bay (Our Kids page profile picture with Adam) and 1st baseman Kevin Youkilis (in the dugout with Robbie and Adam, pictured here) took the time to visit with the boys, sign their shirts and other items, and then pose for pictures.  

Designated hitter David Ortiz also took time for a personal visit, as Adam had the chance to meet EVERY Red Sox player on the field before the big game!

Thank you to the Boston Red Sox Foundation for their assistance in helping Adam's wish come true!

Finn’s Wish

In Mom's words...

"I would like to thank you for sending us on such an incredible trip.  

"Finn was so excited during our preparations, and in the interview with the Westerly Sun.  And, starting with our journey to the airport in the limo, the days were just filled with smiles.

"From the overnight train down the coast, to the steam train adventure at the Roaring Camp, everything was great!

"Finn wants you to know how much he enjoyed the trip, especially his time at Roaring Camp Railroad.  He is a boy of few words on certain days, but he said 'Thank You Wish Girls!'

"Sometimes a "thank you" seems so inadequate, but please know that this one from our family is truly heartfelt.  It was a wonderful way for Finn to say goodbye to sickness, and hello to life again."

With our Best Wishes for the New Year,

Hillary, Dan, Finn and Noah

Jessica’s Wish

“PUPPY LOVE” IS PART OF A WISH COME TRUE

Lincoln girl has her wish granted by area breeder

Warwick , RI – Pop singer Paul Anka and a very young Donny Osmond each sang about “puppy love,” once upon a time. 

And while the term “puppy love” actually refers to the affection that young people might have for each other, in this instance a young girl from Lincoln , RI had a wish for the kind of affection only a young canine can provide.  You might say this is “real puppy love.” 

16 year old Jessica (who had her birthday on February 25^th) is a cancer patient, and lives in Lincoln , RI .  When asked by wish granters Tracy Walsh and Kathy Peterson what she might wish for, Jessica never hesitated – a dog, something she and her younger brother Steven had always wanted.  Specifically, the wish request was for a female yellow Labrador . 

Walsh turned to Robin Anderson and Gerrie Owren from Grampian Labs of southeastern New England, after learning that one of their Labradors was expecting sometime around the first of this year.  Sure enough, “Gecko” gave birth to a New Years’ Day litter, which happened to include two yellow lab puppies.  The puppies belong to a line of animals that have become therapy dogs at a Ronald McDonald House on Long Island in New York , and Gecko’s mother and champion grandfather have been shown at the famous Westminster Kennel Club Show in New York City .  Quite the family background!

After Jessica had the opportunity to meet the puppies on February 6^th, Grampian Labs donated the female yellow lab puppy for her Wish.  Delivery day was Friday, February 26^th.  It was a “Sweet 16^th” for Jessica, complete with “real puppy love!”

Aidan’s Wish

In Mom's words...

"My son Aidan’s wish was to go to Disney World.  The entire trip was unbelievable.  My husband and I were amazed at the attention to detail given to each aspect of the trip.  The rental van we drove down in was perfect and the kids enjoyed that immensely.  We all had plenty of room and the DVD player in the van made a long trip entertaining.  Upon arriving at Give Kids the World, we were met by friendly face after friendly face, and there was nothing we went without.

"After days in the various parks, we would come back to our villa and the "gift fairy" would have visited and left a present for Aidan.  At night, we would eat delicious food, have ice cream and take part in one of the various activities planned right on the property.  Aidan loved the carousel and his brother Noah also liked it.  He had the best time and each day seemed to top the previous one.

"In the parks he was treated like a king, it was so great to be able to move through lines quickly. Aidan can tend to be shy, but by the end of the week he was having his picture taken with all the characters.  One of his favorite rides was at Universal Studios, where he was able to go down a flume-like slide.  He got to take care of me, as we went down because I was nervous.

"This wonderful trip all started with three very special people.  I want to let them know how amazing the work they do is and our family truly appreciates them.  So, thank you Beverly Molles for organizing such a super opportunity for my son.  To Diane Pellegrino and Lynn McCauley, I want to thank you for your gentle way with Aidan and making him feel so comfortable.  I cannot thank everyone involved in your organization enough."

Aidan’s Mom Jessica