Make-A-Wish Recent Wishes

I wish to ... visit the ICEHOTEL in Sweden.

Mon, 05 May 2008 15:14:41 GMT

Almost all wish kids will insist they had the coolest wish ever. But Cody, 17, can make a strong case that he had the coldest wish on record after feeling the sting of 20 degrees below zero.

His interest in architecture, a Swedish pen pal and his love for cold weather made him wish for a trip to the ICEHOTEL, located about 65 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Jukkasj�rvi, Sweden. Cody, who was diagnosed with a rheumatic disease, first learned about the ICEHOTEL in a documentary on The Discovery Channel. Since he works part-time as a draftsman for an architecture firm, he was enthralled by the idea of a hotel hewn each year from ice and snow.

Cody's view from the dogsled as he races from Kiruna to the ICEHOTEL.

But getting there was an ordeal for a teen who doesn't feel much love for air travel. His journey took him through more airports than he's ever seen before: Dallas, Chicago, Stockholm and the tiny airstrip at Kiruna, a frigid hamlet near Jukkasj�rvi.

Once Cody arrived in Kiruna, the Make-A-Wish Foundation put its usual wish travel arrangements on ice. Rather than a limousine, Cody traveled to the ICEHOTEL by dog sled. Even though his plane landed in the early afternoon, it was nearly pitch-dark by the time his sled team completed its 30-mile run to the ice hotel. He was amazed at the amount of snow draped over the forest. Most of the snow drifts, Cody said, were more than 10 feet tall.

During his time at the ice hotel, Cody spent two days in one of the permanent, heated rooms. But he got a night in one of the cold rooms, which workers build each year using blocks of ice from the nearby River Torne. The rooms stay at temperatures from 28 to 40 degrees F.

Each room, Cody said, had a "serene blue glow" from LEDs in the icy walls; the hotel's silence added to the serenity. He slept on a bed made from ice covered in reindeer fur. He woke up each day with a steaming cup of lingonberry juice, a concoction he came to like better than hot chocolate.

He also learned the true meaning of cold, even picking up a minor bit of frostnip during an excursion to a nearby village.

Even indoors, the mercury rarely gets higher than 32 degress.

"I thought it was kind of cool," Cody said, laughing. "I couldn't feel the left side of my face!"

Cody took another sled expedition through the forests, where he sampled some traditional Swedish cuisine: reindeer brisket, fish stew and mashed potatoes.

Cody also spent a few days in Stockholm, where he reconnected with his pen pal, Martina, and her friends and family. He took his first train trip in Stockholm and saw the Royal Guards at Stockholm Palace.

Another trip to Sweden may be in Cody�s future: He had a job offer to train dog sled teams, and is considering pursuing a job at the ICEHOTEL that would put his architecture skills to use. During his trip, the cold climate and clean air made him forget his health problems.

"I can't wait to go back!" he said.

-Justin Schmid

I wish to drive a Caterpillar D11

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:46:42 GMT

If the Make-A-Wish Foundation kept track of the greatest amount of earth moved during a wish, the top honor would surely belong to 18-year-old Jarvis.

Jarvis, who goes by the nickname Critter, wished to drive a Caterpillar D11 bulldozer at a working quarry.

On tour at the Caterpillar factory

"I've always loved heavy equipment," he said. ��It�s something different, something I�ve always wanted to do.�

The volunteer wish granters had to dig deep into their resources to find a quarry for Critter, who has a digestive disorder. They needed one that was willing to let him get behind the wheel and feel what a 935-horsepower behemoth can do to piles of dirt and rock. They found one near St. Louis, a 12-hour drive from Critter's Mississippi home.

Critter's wish started with a visit to a Caterpillar dealer just outside of St. Louis. The staff gave him a warm welcome, offering a tour and an avalanche of Caterpillar memorabilia � boots, a jacket, stickers, photos and a key to crank up some of the equipment. They stayed until dark, when the staff turned on the lights to the dealership's new holiday display. During his stay in St. Louis, Critter also enjoyed some time at a St. Louis mall and a long visit to Dave & Buster's.

But the day at the Fred Weber, Inc. quarry was really the centerpiece of Critter's wish. He tried to stay patient as workers gave him a tour of the equipment � a Caterpillar 992 loader, various tractors, everything but the D11. Finally, Critter couldn't contain himself.

Critter takes the controls of a tractor simulator

"Where do you keep that beast?" he asked.

The answer was a short pickup truck ride away to the top of a hill in the quarry. The huge machine dwarfed the pickup truck, and Critter eagerly scrambled aboard. To his surprise, he found some creature comforts to go along with the horsepower � a plush seat, a CD player, and a surprisingly smooth ride.

The engine rumbled to life, and Critter practiced turning, going forward, backing up and moving the "ripper" attachment on the back of the dozer. Within 10 minutes, he felt comfortable enough to push some dirt.

He spent nearly 90 minutes ripping up rock and moving mounds of earth, all while his brother and father videotaped and photographed his adventures. His new friends at the quarry edited the footage and set it to the songs "Eye of the Tiger" and "Mud on the Tires."

Critter moves some dirt in a front-end loader.

Even a year after the wish, Critter's excitement hadn't abated.

"I was in a happy place," he said. "I wasn't thinking about what I go through."

-Justin Schmid

I wish to have a playhouse with flowerboxes.

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:54:30 GMT

In her new pink hardhat, Taylor helped crews build the playhouse of her dreams.

Little girls often dream of the perfect house, constructed to their exact specifications. For 5-year-old Taylor, she wished for a house with pink trim and flowerboxes so that she and her guests could enjoy her favorite blooms during tea parties.

Taylor�s wish came true, right down to those beautiful flowerboxes, when volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation�s Georgia and Alabama chapter devoted hours of labor and some gestures of love to create Taylor�s new playhouse.

At 4� years old, Taylor was diagnosed with Wilms� tumor, a cancer affecting her kidneys. Doctors removed the ailing kidney and prescribed chemotherapy treatments that often left Taylor wishing she were in a fun, safe place far away from the hospital.

When Taylor told wish granters about the little playhouse she�d been dreaming of, they quickly went to work. No detail was too small � from the tiny kitchen and tea party table to gingerbread trim and white picket fence.

While the volunteers worked away, Taylor watched her dream house take shape in the family backyard. With a pink construction helmet perched on her head, she oversaw crews as they hammered, nailed and sawed.

Taylor�s wish granters got every detail just right. She enjoyed a cozy tea party by the fireplace.

Then came the big day � the ribbon cutting and housewarming party. Taylor, unaware of the surprises that awaited her, went to run errands with her mom. When they returned, a crowd of friends, family and even a local TV news crew was there to greet her.

Taylor smiled brightly as she cut the pink ribbon on the front porch and ran toward her own little front door. Inside she discovered several surprises: a real chandelier, play kitchen appliances, rugs, beanbags and even a fireplace.

According to Taylor�s mom, her daughter�s wish came true �at an awesome time, since it was near the end of her chemotherapy treatments. It gave us that sense that everything was going to be okay. Make-A-Wish went above and beyond.�

Taylor is now recovering from cancer, and she often serves as a wish ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. And in her beautiful new house, she now hosts the best tea parties on the block.

I wish to meet Annika Sorenstam.

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:33:20 GMT

Molly was a quick study and was thrilled to get some tips from her hero and new friend.

World Golf and LPGA Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam granted a wish for 14 year-old Molly Esordi of Grosse Ile, Mich. Molly, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin�s lymphoma, is an avid golfer whose wish was to �meet and play golf with Annika.� Molly and her family spent the day with Annika at the ANNIKA Academy at Ginn Reunion Resort near Orlando, Fla.

�What an honor it is that of all the things Molly could have chosen to do, she wanted to come here to meet me,� said Annika. �We share the same passion for golf and I can only hope that her being here today was inspiring to her. I know she has been inspiring to me.�

Competing for the Grosse Ile High girls� golf team in the fall, Molly earned all-league first-team honors as a freshman. She was joined in Orlando by her parents Tom and Leslie, sisters Sarah and Margaret, and brother Nicholas.

�It�s a great experience being here with Annika and I am very excited to play golf with her today,� said Molly. �I really like the Cutter & Buck outfit, the Callaway golf clubs, and the gift basket from Kraft that Annika gave to me. I am very happy that she is taking all of this time with me today. I am having a lot of fun!�

Molly and Annika celebrated after a fun day and a great round of golf.

The day�s activities included a tour of the ANNIKA Academy, lunch, one-on-one instructions from Annika and nine holes of golf on The Legacy Course at Reunion. Molly also received some gifts from Annika�s sponsors, including Callaway golf clubs, Cutter & Buck clothing from the ANNIKA Collection, a large gift basket with Kraft food items, a three-day stay at Ginn Reunion Resort, a gift package of sunglasses and clothing from Oakley and a write-up in Golf Digest publications.

Molly will serve as a guest writer on Annika�s blog, www.annikablog.com, writing about her trip and the fun she had during her day with Annika.

I wish to meet Elvis in Hawaii.

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:35:37 GMT

As far as 4-year-old Travis is concerned, Elvis has never left the building.

His father is a former Elvis impersonator, and he�s already watched many classic Elvis Presley films. When wish granters visited Travis, he wanted to meet �Elvis� in person in the tropical setting for three of those films � Hawaii.

Travis, who was diagnosed with leukemia, flew with his family from Nevada to the Aloha State eager for his audience with �The King.� He was already a spectacle before he even boarded his flight from Las Vegas: He headed to the gate clad in a white jumpsuit covered in rhinestones provided by UnitedHealth Group; Jeff Adams, a UHG employee, met the family at the airport to see them off � and offer Travis a gift bag filled with Elvis essentials, such as the jump suit, big sunglasses and a traditional Hawaiian lei.

Six hours later, Travis was in Hawaii and ready for his wish to come true. The Make-A-Wish Foundation arranged for a well-known local impersonator to play the Elvis role and meet the rockin� wish kid on Waikiki Beach. Travis spent a few speechless moments in the presence of the rock royalty, but soon bonded with the ersatz Elvis.

That night, �Elvis� was the featured act at a dinner concert. He invited Travis onstage, where the two of them got all shook up. Elvis wrapped up his act by putting his scarf around Travis� neck, paying homage to a concert tradition Presley started in the late �60s.

Travis and his family then capped his Paradise, Hawaiian Style adventure with a luau before heading back to the mainland, thrilled about his beach summit with �The King.�

UnitedHealth Group is a Make-A-Wish Foundation^® Wish Champion and has helped bring hope, strength and joy to courageous wish kids since 2007. UGH and its employees have granted the wishes of kids like Travis throughout the United States.

I wish to create a cancer healing-themed board game

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:28:09 GMT

The inspiration for 8-year-old Carsten�s wish came from two very different sources: A video game created through another boy�s wish and an eye-opening trip to India with his family.

Carsten examines an early version of his game.

When the Make-A-Wish Foundation offered Carsten the chance to make his own wish come true, he thought for months before choosing. His mother, Adrienne, recalls him wondering what would happen if a child from India was diagnosed with leukemia as he was. That�s when he decided that, in some way, he wanted his wish to help children on the other side of the world.

Carsten remembered Ben�s Game, a video game based on fighting cancer. After his diagnosis, Carsten often played the game, which was created in 2004 by Ben Duskin, a wish kid also diagnosed with leukemia. Carsten decided to create a board game that kids in India could play anywhere, at any time.

When Mattel's board gaming team learned of Carsten's wish, they couldn't wait to work with him to create the game that would become Carsten�s Wish. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic sent Carsten and his family to Los Angeles to work out every detail with the Mattel designers behind gaming hits such as Uno, Pictionary and Othello.

Carsten created a sketch of the board, which he based on The Game of Life (he loves the Spongebob Squarepants edition). Beyond the look of the board, Carsten had some requirements that would establish an encouraging tone for the game and its players. Most importantly, there are no winners or losers. Rather than competing against each other, players must work together to help the patient drive cancer into remission. Each player takes the role of someone involved in a young cancer patient's life: mother, father, sister, doctor, nurse and other hospital staff members. The game also includes educational cards to explain all the procedures involved with helping a cancer patient heal.

When Mattel�s staff unveiled the prototype of the game, Carsten and his family were amazed.

�I was overwhelmed,� Adrienne said. �They incorporate every one of Carsten�s ideas. It was very professional and creative!�

For Carsten, that day was the highlight of the visit to Los Angeles. He was thrilled to finally play his game.

�My favorite part was at the end of the game,� Carsten said.

Mattel rolls out the final version of Carsten's Game.

That�s when a figure of the cancer patient emerges from a box with its �hair� restored, signaling the end of the treatment.

Now that Carsten has approved Mattel's designs, his game is ready to come to life. Mattel will produce 25 top-quality copies of the game. Some will go to India, and others will go to hospitals near Carsten�s home to give sick kids some much-needed optimism during their treatments.

By Justin Schmid

I wish to have a spa.

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:00:19 GMT

Jacob�s friends and family checked out his new spa at a backyard party in his honor.

For 7-year-old Jacob, there�s no better way to spend a day than splashing and relaxing in a hot tub. Jacob was diagnosed with MPSI-Hurler Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects his development and several organ systems. He often has to travel cross-country from his Washington home for medical treatments in South Carolina. But when he discovered that his hotel in South Carolina had a pool and spa, the trips didn�t seem quite so bad.

�We could hardly get him out of that hot tub,� recalls Jacob�s mother, Melanie.

Jacob can�t communicate verbally, but when wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho and Washington offered to grant his heartfelt wish, Jacob�s family knew just what he wanted.

�Jacob loves being in the water, and a hot tub is something he would really enjoy as well as help ease the discomfort of his condition,� Melanie said. Jacob�s doctor agreed that having his own spa would be therapeutic and fun for Jacob. Plus, being in a hot tub is something the family could enjoy together. �We knew a hot tub wish would be something that would really make a difference in Jacob�s life,� Melanie said.

Wish granters went to work. Aqua Rec�s Swimmin� Hole & Fireplace Shop, a Marquis Spa dealer, graciously donated the hot tub. Jacob�s wish was a milestone for Marquis Spas^® , marking the 300th wish the company has granted since becoming a Make-A-Wish Foundation partner in 2000.

Jacob and his family were excited to share his wish with their friends, so wish granters arranged for a big backyard party in Jacob�s honor. His favorite restaurants � Domino�s and McDonald�s � donated lunch, and guests celebrated with cake and Tootsie Pops, Jacob�s favorite treats.

After firefighters filled his new hot tub with water, Jacob took a turn with the fire hose.

Then some surprise guests arrived. Firefighters from the town�s fire department roared up to the house in their fire engines. They used their fire hoses to fill up Jacob�s hot tub in less than five minutes. Then Jacob and his friends had their turns shooting water from the high-pressure hoses. More fun with the firefighters followed, as they treated the party guests to tours and rides on the ambulance and fire engine.

As the delighted party guests said their goodbyes, the party was just beginning for Jacob � he got to step into his own spa for the very first time.

� By Kathryn Roethel

Marquis Spas is the preferred provider for Make-A-Wish^® hot tub wishes. The spa manufacturer became involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in February 2000 when the company helped grant the wish of 17-year-old Andrea from Banks, Ore.

Andrea�s wish inspired Marquis to help more children by becoming a national supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. So far, that partnership has generated more than $1.6 million in spa donations and discounts for the Foundation. Marquis� dealers from all across the United States are involved in granting wishes.

�Making a difference in the life of one child with a life-threatening medical condition is rewarding,� said Marquis Spas President John Schrenk. �The thought of making a difference in the lives of 300 children is almost emotionally overwhelming. At Marquis, we consider ourselves privileged to have the opportunity to improve these children�s lives. The thought of us adding even a few minutes of happiness to a sick child�s life is incredibly gratifying.�

I wish to ride a horse.

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:40:48 GMT

Sitting high atop his trusty steed, Markell was ready to rope and ride.

A good cowboy can do anything when he�s sitting tall astride his trusty horse. Seven-year-old Markell dreamed of getting in the saddle, but his sickle cell anemia and frequent blood transfusions didn�t leave him much time for adventure � until he made his wish.

Wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Mississippi were determined to make Markell�s first horseback experience a true joy ride, and they started by making sure he looked the part. Boots & More, a local retailer, invited Markell and his family to a shopping spree that would make any cowboy kick up his spurs.

The store owners surprised Markell with a wish cake, and they outfitted him in a new blue button-down shirt, blue jeans, chaps, a belt and shiny belt buckle, and of course, cowboy boots. Markell completed the look with a black 10-gallon hat and then moseyed over to the Chimneyville BBQ restaurant for some chow.

Next, the young cowboy set off to learn that his beloved horses are capable of much more than trotting over the trails. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus welcomed Markell to a rehearsal, where he met the trainers of its beautiful appaloosa horses. He also was invited to feed and pet the prized horses. And later that night, when he and his family took their seats at the circus performance, the announcer welcomed them in front of a packed house.

A true cowboy at heart, Markell instantly bonded with all the horses he met.

Markell woke up the next day ready to take the reins himself. He and his family traveled to a nearby ranch, and the owners introduced him to Storm, his gentle steed for the day.

Markell was thrilled by his view of the world on horseback. �His face just brightened, and his eyes widened,� said Chris Kennedy of the Mississippi chapter. �He lit up. You could see in his face how much fun he was having.�

The ranch also surprised Markell�s whole family with horseback rides so they all could hit the trail together. The experience �really gave the family a chance to be a family again,� Kennedy said.

At day�s end, Markell didn�t want to say goodbye to his new friend, Storm. The aspiring cowboy�s love of horses is here to stay.

� By Kathryn Roethel

All photographs provided by Christina Canon.

I wish to meet The Wiggles.

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:44:56 GMT

Wags, The Wiggles� famous dog, arrived at Carly�s doorstep and invited her to meet The Wiggles at their concert.

During her many visits to doctors� offices, 3-year-old Carly sometimes could be heard belting out her favorite songs by the hugely popular children�s entertainers The Wiggles. But few people who heard her happy voice would have guessed that she was in the middle of difficult treatments for neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder causing tumors in her nervous system.

The Wiggles and their songs helped keep Carly smiling as she endured those treatments. They also proved the inspiration for her heartfelt wish.

Of course, it was not an unexpected wish. Every day, Carly asks to wear a Wiggles shirt and a Wiggles bandana. She never goes anywhere without Anthony, her talking Wiggles doll. Her mom, Kelley, says Carly even calls Anthony her �boyfriend.�

When wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Philadelphia and Susquehanna Valley visited Carly, she told them she wanted to hug The Wiggles and tell Anthony, �I want a pawpaw!� The Australian-born Wiggles often sing about pawpaw, known as papaya in the United States.

Carly�s first surprise came a week before her wish was to be granted when Wags, The Wiggles� 7-foot dog, showed up at her home to deliver gifts and invite Carly to The Wiggles� concert.

On wish day, Carly�s adventure began with a �Wiggly Party.� Fifty well-wishers helped her celebrate with Wiggles-colored cookies and M&Ms, plus The Wiggles� signature food, fruit salad. Then, a limo (or, as Carly said, �a big car�) chauffered her to the concert.

Carly, pictured here with her siblings and Wiggles dancer Ben, knew all the words to the songs and danced in the aisles at the concert.

The Wiggles treated Carly to a meet-and-greet backstage before the show. �The expression on Carly�s face was priceless! For the first minute or so, she stood as still as a statue, just watching them, in total amazement,� Kelley said.

Carly and her family were soon fully engaged in Wiggly conversation, and she did tell Anthony, �I want a pawpaw.� He promised her that, if she ever visits Australia, he�ll have a pawpaw waiting.

During the show, Carly danced in the aisles and sang along to her favorite songs. Much to her surprise, the Wiggles introduced her and invited her onstage.

�I wondered whether or not she would understand and realize what a big deal this is, but, oh yeah, she got it and smiled from ear to ear,� her mother said.

Kelley added that the wish also meant a great deal to everyone involved, not just to Carly.

�Seeing Carly that happy was such a joy!� she wrote in a thank-you letter. �The best part of the day was when Carly turned to me in the limo and said, �Mommy, I so happy.� I�ve never heard her say anything like that before.�

By Kathryn Roethel

I wish to have a Sweet 17 Party.

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:27:25 GMT

Samantha was the belle of the ball in a new tiara and ball gown she picked out herself.

In a regal ballroom at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, party guests exchanged eager glances. Outside on the steps, six uniformed West Point cadets stood alongside a red carpet with their sabers at the ready, and four more comprised a military brass band. Everyone had assembled to welcome the guest of honor, Samantha, on the night of her 17th birthday � and the night of her heartfelt wish.

Samantha, who was born with a single-ventricle heart, felt like she had waited an eternity for this wish to happen. But she was no stranger to the waiting game � she had grown up in doctors� waiting rooms, waited for medical test results and waited to learn whether her treatments were working. And she waited for fun things, too � such as new episodes of one of her favorite shows, MTV�s �My Super Sweet 16.�

Samantha wasn�t able to have the sweet 16 party she�d dreamed of for herself, but when wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Hudson Valley visited her, the luxurious party she always imagined was suddenly within reach.

After weeks of preparation, Samantha�s birthday arrived. Wish granters had worked hard to share her story with community members, and their support of the party was overwhelming. Jewelers for Children, a long-time supporter of the Foundation, sponsored Samantha�s wish, allowing her to pick out formal invitations and select a flowing white ball gown and tiara. A West Point professor � and former wish dad � arranged for the military academy to take part in Samantha�s wish and for the landmark Hotel Thayer to host and cater the great gala. A hairstylist, make-up artist and manicurist donated their services so Samantha would look picture-perfect for her birthday debut.

A limousine delivered the birthday girl to West Point in high style, but Samantha was so excited that she arrived early; the guests weren�t ready for her yet. With quick thinking, the limo driver drove her on an impromptu tour of the West Point campus to give wish granters time to put the finishing touches on the party.

Anyone who watches �My Super Sweet 16� knows the most anticipated moment is the birthday girl�s grand entrance, and Samantha�s party was no exception. The limo pulled in front of the ballroom, and � to Samantha�s surprise and delight � a West Point officer was there to announce her arrival. The brass band welcomed her with a trumpet fanfare, and the other officers created the famous saber arch for her to pass under.

According to Make-A-Wish staff, �Nobody enjoyed the party as much as Samantha did.�

Samantha entered the elegant doors to a crowd of cheering friends and family. Pastel pink and white balloons lined the walls and flowers adorned the tables. A deejay was on hand, and Samantha and her friends sang and danced the night away, taking every opportunity to pose for photographers.

Chris Febles, wish coordinator for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hudson Valley, said Samantha simply loved the camera and thrived in the spotlight. �Nobody enjoyed the party as much as she did,� he said. �For her, the best part of the wish was getting to spend time with her friends.�

In 2008, Jewelers for Children celebrates its 10th anniversary and will grant its 1,000th wish with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

� By Kathryn Roethel