The Science of a Wish
“Science is so much fun!”
That’s why 7-year-old Juliana from Miami wished to be a scientist for the day. She even showed her volunteer wish granters some experiments that she was working on at home. But what did she envision her day as a scientist would be like? Mostly, she wanted to learn how to make goop and find out more about different types of sand. Little did she know the over-the-top wish ahead of her. Instead of a one-day experience, her wish was a five-day adventure.
During an exciting wish party at the South Florida Science Musuem, Juliana discovered that she would be flying to Boston, where she would be a VIP at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium, among other places. Juliana’s eyes lit up when she was presented with a lab coat with her name on it and a pair of goggles. She felt like a bona fide scientist with her new gear.
While on her wish trip, Juliana spent hours engaging in a whirlwind of fascinating science experiments. She listened diligently as safety protocols for each experiment were explained. With the help of some beakers, drops of colored dye and floating beads, she learned about patterns of water and sand movement in rivers. For a truly electrifying experience, she entered an atom smasher, a 25-foot-tall cone where lightning strikes are created. She sat gleefully as a bucket of dry ice vapor cascaded over her head. She studied how to create a chemical reaction, made flubber and gazed at the effects of acid rain through a microscope. Juliana intently watched a demonstration on how to make goop from glue and other household items, an experiment she would be duplicating at home! Everywhere she went she received gifts of intriguing educational and scientific games and kits to take home with her.
But that’s not all. She received behind-the-scenes access, went on a dinosaur exhibit tour and got hands-on experiences with all kinds of marine life. A very enthusiastic Juliana loved petting an octopus named George. There was even time to watch the “Sea Monsters 3D” IMAX movie. She engaged in so many new experiences including riding on a “duck,” an authentic, renovated World War II amphibious vehicle that the guide let Juliana steer.
Her mother said of the future scientist, “The trip was perfect! It was something that really made an impression on Juliana – something that she will look back on.”
Wish Granters: Shari Byrd & Norm Wedderburn
Referred by: Broward Children’s Hospital
Adopted by:
Astoria Tree Service
Like many 4-year-olds, Ryan of West Palm Beach loves all things Disney. Since he had already been to Mickey Mouse’s home in Orlando, he wished to reunite with his Disney friend on a big boat. Soon thereafter, Ryan and his family departed from Cape Canaveral aboard the Disney Wonder® cruise ship. For five magical days, they sailed the Caribbean with stops in Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island oasis. Ryan loved watching the waves pass by in his deluxe oceanview cabin and coming home to a special surprise waiting in his cabin each evening. His adventure was filled with non-stop action. From dancing the night away at Goofy’s PJ party to swimming in the Mickey-shaped pool, there was always something exciting to do. Ryan took advantage of Disney’s Oceaneer Club, where little kids have big fun carousing in the play area designed like Captain Hook’s ship. While docked in Nassau, he seized the opportunity to have an exhilarating dolphin encounter. By far, the grandest moment of the cruise for Ryan was when he met the VIP of the ship, Captain Mickey himself. From Broadway-style shows to bountiful buffet dinners, there was fun around every corner and Ryan wouldn’t have wished it any other way!
Wish Granters: Evelyn Moody & Alex Petersmarck
Referred by: Jackson Memorial Hospital
Sponsored by: Mr. & Mrs. Ben Eisenberg and Mr. & Mrs. Walter Byrd
Fifteen-year-old Imani from Sunrise had always pictured herself in the spotlight but her “model for a day” experience turned out better than her wildest dreams. When this creative teen was told that not only would her wish come true, but she would be flown to New York City and meet with a famous photographer and well-known makeup artist, she was ecstatic. With a luxurious limousine ride to the airport, Imani was off to discover Manhattan for the first time. During her four-day stay in New York, she and her family toured the South Street Seaport, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. She visited the Fashion Center business district and the Fashion Walk of Fame with great anticipation for her big moment. She also went up to the top of the Empire State Building; but where she really felt on top of the world was in front of the camera.
Imani received supermodel treatment on her wish day as a limousine pulled up in front of the Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel to whisk her off to MILK Studios. After a professional makeup and hair session, Imani arrived in wardrobe and could hardly believe all the gorgeous designer clothes that she was going to wear. The perfect accessory to complete her transformation to supermodel status? Exquisite jewelry so valuable it warranted security guards on set! Imani stepped on the Cover Girl set with stars in her eyes and a huge smile on her face. Striking pose after pose, she modeled as if she was a fashion icon. Looking out at the crew focused on her, she recognized some familiar faces from her favorite television show, “America’s Next Top Model” who were there to support her. After the shoot, she was showered with gifts including a beautiful pendant, some of the designer outfits she modeled and a professional portfolio of her glamorous photographs. At the end of her perfect day, Imani bid farewell to her new fashion friends and gathered up plenty of mementos to take home with her.
Referred by: Jackson Memorial Hospital
Adopted by: Drs. Roger & Ginger Medel
Wish Granters: Nancy HartGold & Stephanie Rumin
Rock the Wish!
Music is a huge part of Michelle’s life. She loves writing music and hopes to someday learn how to play the guitar. She was speechless when she learned she would get her wish to meet Incubus. Michelle’s wish included a four-day stay in New York City. She and her family toured the Big Apple, including signature landmarks, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Anticipation built as Michelle and her family were shuttled off to the big event in a limousine. They enjoyed excellent seats to the Incubus concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan. Michelle was overwhelmed when the moment arrived for her to meet her musical idols. She thanked them for helping her get through hard times and told them their song lyrics mean a lot to her. She cherishes the autographs and pictures she took with the band members.
Referred by : Jackson Memorial Hospital
Adopted by : Mr. Remy Jacobson
Wish Granters : Janine and Ralph Balkin
Planes, trains and automobiles (with an emphasis on the train part). That’s everything 6-year-old Nicolas wanted to experience for his ultimate wish. To embark on his transportation journey, he and his family rode in a limousine to the airport. Once aboard the plane, Nicolas was stunned at the opportunity to sit in the cockpit with the pilot. Smiling ear to ear, he realized his travels had just begun.
He and his family landed in Traintown U.S.A.®, Pennsylvania, home of Thomas the Train. At the Strasburg railroad station, Nicolas felt right at home surrounded by beautifully restored engines and not one “Do Not Touch” sign. His hands-on experience included visits to the National Toy Train Museum, which houses one of the most extensive toy train collections in the world. Next stop was the Choo-Choo Barn, which features more than 150 hand-built animated figures and 22 operating trains. There was a three-mile buggy ride through nearby Amish farmlands and a tour of the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum, where Nicolas received a conductor’s hat and a locomotive book.
The highlight of his wish trip was A Day Out With ThomasTM which included a train ride with the classic storybook Thomas the Tank EngineTM. He was delighted to refuel with a hearty lunch while gliding down the tracks. Since he couldn’t stay overnight in a locomotive, the next best thing was a fascinating stay at the Fulton Steamboat Inn with mariner accents in a room fit for a ship captain. Before departing for home, there was a special gift waiting just for Nicolas at the Strasburg Railroad Gift Shop – a train set. This aspiring engineer’s railroad adventure was a dream come true! His mother said “Nicolas is still there in his mind.”
Wish Granters: Shane Dawson & Jose Morales
Referred by: Miami Children’s Hospital
Adopted by: Michael Israel’s “Art of a Wish”
A Big League Wish
All his life, 15-year-old Nicholas of Pembroke Pines has cherished the game of baseball. He watches games on television, plays it on his Xbox and even mimics his baseball idols on the field. Unfortunately, because of his battle with cancer, he is unable to play right now. But he helps his father coach and is always in the dugout cheering on his teammates. When Nicholas was told he would get his greatest wish, he was torn. He knew his wish would be baseball related but did he want to meet Dontrelle Willis of the Florida Marlins or Juan Pierre of the Los Angeles Dodgers? It was difficult to choose from his two favorite players but in the end Nicholas wished to fly to California to meet Juan Pierre while the Dodgers were playing the Marlins. He wanted to “get some of their home run power!”
In July, Nicholas and his family spent five unforgettable days in California. They cruised down the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway and visited west coast hot spots like Rodeo Drive and Universal Studios. Nicholas’ highly anticipated wish day was more than he imagined. At Dodger Stadium, he and his family were welcomed with VIP passes and Dodgers baseball caps. Then the moment finally arrived, Juan Pierre made his way over to Nicholas with a bright smile. They spent time talking baseball, taking pictures and signing autographs. Nicholas could not stop smiling. After his star sighting, he cheered on the Marlins at batting practice when a familiar face came over to meet him. It was Dontrelle “D-Train” Willis, his favorite pitcher for the Marlins! This unbelievable day was topped off with a 7-2 Marlins victory, and with Pierre scoring one of the two Dodgers runs. The day couldn’t have ended any better! Nicholas' mother said, "He was so happy and his smile means everything in the world to me. You reminded him that dreams do come true. "It was the trip of a lifetime for Nicholas.
Wish Granters: Sue Pikus & Kim Tabor
Referred By: His father
Wish Adopted By: Wedderburn & Jacobs Law Firm
Paige was surprised with a Make-A-Wish send-off party at a horse barn in Boynton Beach. Her parents had told her they were going to a baseball game and her 13-year-old brother kept the secret as well. But as they turned the corner, Paige saw her wish granter with a magic wand, tiara and a handful of balloons. She was overwhelmed at the celebration that included some sweet treats and the chance to get a fun riding lesson before traveling to Myrtle Beach for her wish vacation. She also received a special memento of her wish experience, a beautiful gold horseshoe necklace.
On the day her wish trip began, a limousine arrived to escort Paige and her family to the airport to catch their flight to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For five days, Paige and her family stayed in an oceanview suite at the Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort. They had a blast exploring the resort’s water park and miniature golf course. The highlight of Paige’s wish was the time she spent with Tish and Raven, the two horses that carried her off to the beach and fulfilled her wish. She loved every moment of the hours she spent at the horse ranch and riding beside the glittering waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Paige could not choose one thing as the best part of her wish trip because she considers the highlight to be the entire experience. What she most wanted to tell the Foundation was a soft-spoken “thank you for letting me do this.” It was truly a wish straight out of a storybook.
Referred by: Her mother
Adopted by: Nancy Strom Endowment Fund
Wish Granter: Denae Ankele
The ultimate wish for 11-year-old Brian of Hialeah Gardens is to have his very own laptop computer. A portable machine would give him the freedom to do everything he loves to do – play games, surf the internet, chat with friends and do his homework – wherever he wants to do it. He loves computers so much that this smart boy has aspirations of one day being a computer engineer.
When his wish day arrived, there was a special celebration! Brian was overwhelmed with excitement. His brand new HP Compaq laptop came complete with an all-in-one printer and a black carrying case. Brian could hardly wait to try out all the new educational and fun software that he received including "SimCity 4," "The Sims 2" and "FIFA 07 Soccer." Brian is proud to be the owner of his very own computer. Now the world is at his fingertips. Wherever he goes, he is sure to have his laptop with him!
Wish Granters: Gladys Arango & Stella Gelsomino
Referred by: His aunt
Adopted by: The Stephen Muss Foundation
Aloha!
There were a lot of reasons why 12-year-old Jimarys wished to go to Hawaii but the main reason was a research project she completed in school. Ever since then, she has been fascinated with the culture and beauty of Hawaii and has dreamed of visiting the islands for herself. Jimarys loves to bead and recently she has been selling her handmade bracelets and necklaces in hopes of one day having enough money to go to Hawaii. The day she discovered she would be making the trip a whole lot sooner thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, she was elated.
Battling jet lag isn’t as hard when you land in tropical bliss. It was like jumping into her textbook and entering a whole new world. From the moment a lei was placed around her neck, Jimarys knew she was living her dream. Jimarys and her family spent a week discovering the local food and gorgeous beaches of the “Paradise of the Pacific.” There were tons of exhilarating activities on the agenda including a delicious luau complete with hula dancing and a lei making demonstration. On a whale watching cruise, Jimarys was speechless at the sight of a whale mother and her calf playing in the surf. The boat’s captain invited her to sit up front so she could get a better look. She was in awe of the breathtaking sunset she experienced during a dinner sail as she asked her mother, “Why don’t we move to Hawaii ?” The day her journey ended, Jimarys took countless pictures and mementos home with her so she can forever remember her spectacular vacation in Hawaii !
Wish Granters: Jose Morales, Jr. & Iria Portal-Frias
Referred by: Elsa Clarke, Family Support Counselor
Adopted by: HPOA - 3rd Annual Make-A-Dream Come True Golf Tournament
A Need For Speed
Jaylon is a 4-year-old who loves to be on the go! He wished for a Toys “R” Us shopping spree to satisfy his “need for speed.” Jaylon could hardly believe his eyes when a limousine showed up in his driveway to jumpstart his wish day. Surprises including a decorated shopping cart awaited him at the Toys “R” Us store that opened early just for him.
At the top of Jaylon’s list was a battery-operated motorcycle. He was overwhelmed to see his dream vehicle sitting in the middle of the aisle waiting for his inaugural ride. Jaylon’s quest to keep moving brought him straight to the bicycle rack where he picked out a bicycle with training wheels. He and his brother had free reign of the store which quickly turned into their own private race track. Jaylon slowed down just long enough to snatch up plenty of other goodies including trucks, puzzles and a Game Boy. Jaylon crossed the finish line with an awesome first-ever trip to Chuck E. Cheese’s for some pizza, a motorcycle-themed cake and video games. With all his new treasures packed into the limo (and a bungee cord to keep the trunk closed), Jaylon and his family toasted with water to his wish come true.
Wish Granter: Diane Billig
Referred by: Jackson Memorial Hospital
Adopted by: World Fuel Services Corp.
Extreme Room Makeover
“Green. Pink. Lots of girly stuff. And maybe some polka dots” These are the words that 15-year-old Mairim used to describe her dream bedroom. Because of chemotherapy treatments, Mairim spends too much time in the hospital and she really wanted a special place to call her own. Her wish granters took her vision and turned her bedroom into something she never thought possible.
Complete with boldly-colored walls, mirrored closet doors and a newly tiled floor, the room was custom-made to brighten every day. Each detail adds just the perfect touch including the feather-adorned lamp on her nightstand, the frilly beaded curtains and the pink polka-dot sheet set. Now Mairim’s bedroom matches her vibrant personality!
Wish Granters: Priscilla Ferreira and Anna Rockett
Referred By: Miami Children's Hospital
Wish Adopted By: Vander Werf Family Foundation
Horsin' Around
5-year-old Noah is an easygoing child who has encephalopathy and epilepsy. He is an animal lover who has three dogs. Noah’s favorite animal in the whole world is the horse. His grandparents live on a horse ranch but because of his medical condition, Noah has never ridden on one of his furry friends. That’s why Noah chose an adaptive saddle as his wish. Instead of just watching others ride, Noah wanted to join in the fun!
When his wish day came, Noah was showered with love and horses including two stuffed horses and a horse-shaped mylar balloon. But the highlight of his wish party was receiving his license to ride – his custom-made leather adaptive saddle! When the time came for his first-ever ride on a horse – he was ecstatic, grinning from ear to ear! He rode around the ring over and over.
Along with his new adaptive saddle, Noah also received a year of riding lessons. His mother Crystal said, ”Now Noah has a real true hobby. This isn’t something that is just going to go away. It’s something that will last a lifetime.”
Happy trails to our little cowboy!
Wish Granters: Donna Hutchinson and Jim Hendershot
Referred By: Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida
Wish Adopted By: Eagle Construction
A Real-Life Fairy Tale
Once upon a time, there was an 8-year-old girl from Naples named Molly who believed that “Cinderella is the best story but also the greatest actress and most fun video game.” One beautiful day, her two fairy godmothers, who said they were volunteers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, came to grant her one greatest wish. In her wildest dreams, she never imagined that something so extraordinary would happen to her. But what should she wish for? She loves to dance, solve puzzles and play dress-up, but nothing sounded special enough for her one wish. Taking a family vacation to the Orlando theme parks AND meeting Cinderella would be nothing short of a fairy tale.
When Molly’s wish day came, she dressed head-to-toe in Cinderella clothes. Molly, her parents and three brothers spent 6 magical days on an adventure to Walt Disney World®, which included dinner at the Royal Table in Cinderella’s Castle. While staying at the Give Kids the World Village, Molly enjoyed VIP passes to Walt Disney World ®, Epcot ® and Sea World, among other parks. She feasted on all-day, complimentary ice cream and rode on the carousel dozens of times. Molly was having such a fantastic time that she kept saying “this is sooooooo fun! I just love this wish.” Molly’s mother said that her “heart melted” at the sight of her daughter’s wish come true. Molly couldn’t stop smiling! Molly lived happily ever after with cherished memories of her
real-life fairy tale.
Wish Granters: Leila Anderson and Teri Kelly
Referred By: Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida
Wish Adopted By: Tommy Bahama Golf Tournament
A True American Idol
Nowadays, the computer has become a facet of everyday life, as common as a television set or a telephone. To 18-year-old Pablo, who is living with muscular dystrophy, computers are much more than ordinary and the man behind Microsoft is nothing less than his idol. That’s why Pablo wished to meet Bill Gates! Pablo is fascinated with the founder and CEO of Microsoft and all he has accomplished. He is now a college freshman who aspires to have a career in computer technology. He has always dreamed of the questions he would ask Mr. Gates if he had the chance, but he never expected to get his wish…
In August, Pablo’s dream came true when he and his family were flown to Seattle, the home of Microsoft Corporation. For 4 days, they stayed at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and explored the sights of Seattle, including a fabulous dinner at the SkyCity Restaurant atop the spectacular Space Needle. They went shopping at the historic Pike Place Market and visited the Seattle Aquarium. When his wish day finally arrived, Pablo couldn’t believe he was about to – not just meet – but sit down and talk with the Bill Gates.
When Pablo and his family arrived at the Microsoft campus, they were given a special tour that included the Microsoft Museum and a model technology home. With his heart pounding, Pablo was greeted with a handshake from his idol. Mr. Gates kept Pablo on his toes by answering most of his questions with questions. Pablo was even treated to a lunch of pizza and brownies with Mr. Gates in the Microsoft kitchen. Pablo is even more fascinated by his idol after meeting him, saying Mr. Gates is very intriguing. Before leaving the computer mecca, Pablo received lots of Microsoft souvenirs to help him remember his wish experience! Pablo said his wish adventure was very impressive. He never imagined how much he would love Seattle and his mom said they didn’t want to come back home!
Wish Granter: Leah Verzaal
Referred By: Children's Medical Services
Wish Adopted By: Publix Super Markets - Food for All Program