Wishes Fulfilled 2009

Chandler Rides a Roller Coaster

Chandler is a sweet nine-year-old who loves the Atlanta Falcons, cheeseburgers, and going to the mountains. Despite suffering from a Brain Stem Tumor, a tumor which is located in the brain stem that connects the brain to the spinal cord, he has not let it slow his eagerness for accomplishing as much as he can in life. When the volunteers of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Georgia and Alabama visited Chandler to learn what he wanted his wish to be, he knew he wanted to go to Disney World. Make-A-Wish sent Chandler and his family down to Orlando and he was able to enjoy beautiful, sunny weather while he visited what he called “paradise.” Chandler enjoyed visiting all four Disney Parks including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. He also went to Universal Studios, Island of Adventure and Sea World. Chandler was a daredevil as he rode all the roller coasters-with his oxygen tank! Chandler’s mom reminisced after the wish how Chandler’s wish “made him the happiest he’s been in a long time.”

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Corina’s Lion King Wish To Animal Kingdom
Corina is a sweet fourteen-year-old who loves the Lion King, swimming, and all things Disney. Although Corina was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, a hereditary muscle disease that weakens the muscles, which in turn, causes the muscle cells and tissue to die, she has not let it hinder her from enjoying her passion with animals. When the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Georgia and Alabama volunteers visited Corina to learn about what she wanted as her wish, it was easy to see the joy she had for the Lion King and all the animals in it. Corina and her family were sent to Orlando where Corina visited all the Disney parks, especially Animal Kingdom. There, Corina could see all the very unique animals, go on animal themed attractions, and even see the Lion King show! Corina’s passion for animals and the Lion King came true when she entered into the Animal Kingdom. Corina will forever carry the joy and experience she had on her wish and will remember it always!

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Jackson’s Wish to Relax in the Water

Jackson is a quiet yet sweet seven-year-old who enjoys anything to do with water. He loves going to water parks, sliding down water slides, and just floating in a pool. Jackson was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and has been struggling to remain healthy. After undergoing surgery to remove his tumor, Jackson was very sensitive to noise and wanted a wish where he could relax and be with his family. Jackson told the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Georgia and Alabama that he also wanted his wish to include water. Jackson and his family traveled to Turks and Caicos Islands. They stayed at a resort that was very secluded and peaceful so Jackson would not be bothered by the noise of crowds. Jackson enjoyed the spa, a candlelit dinner, tours of the island, and of course water activities. He was able to relax in the waters of Turks and Caicos with his family and recover from surgery in the most peaceful way imaginable!

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Liz’s Princess Inspired Disney World Wish
Liz is a sweet and charming four-year-old who enjoys watching Sesame Street, playing soccer, and surprising, eating broccoli! Unfortunately, Liz was diagnosed with Rhabdomyo Sarcoma, a cancer that can be found attaching to muscle tissue, wrapped around intestines, or any anatomic location. Although Liz faces these tough circumstances, she has not let it hinder her from reaching her dreams. When the volunteers of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Georgia and Alabama visited Liz, it was clear that she wanted to go to Disney World; where like many other girls’ dreams can come true. Liz and her family were sent to Orlando where they enjoyed a four-day Hopper Pass to Epcot, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, and of course, Disney World! Liz was able to meet Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White and see their castle. Liz was finally able to meet the princesses in real life, but little did she know that she was already Royalty!

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Richard Visits Hawaii
Richard is an eighteen-year-old who declares himself somewhat of a history aficionado and a lover of sharks. Richard’s passion for American history and watching sharks on television helped him decide exactly what to wish for – to go to Hawaii to visit Pearl Harbor and swim with sharks! Although, he received a kidney transplant, Richard was well enough to enjoy the beauty of the island. He and his family were able to visit the historic Pearl Harbor, where Richard was able to see firsthand the landmark that he learned about in history class. Another highlight of the trip was when Richard was able to be lowered into the ocean in a safety cage in order to swim up close and personal with sharks. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, Richard was able to take a once in a lifetime trip that he will remember forever.

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Tyler’s First Hand Marine Experience
Tyler is a smart and determined twelve-year-old who loves playing with his brother and sister, reading, and learning about marine life. Although Tyler has a Brainstem Tumor, which is in the brain or spinal cord tissue that typically spreads through out the nervous system; he has not let it deter his dreams of becoming a marine biologist. When the volunteers of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Georgia and Alabama visited Tyler to see what he wanted his wish to be, it was clear that he wanted to go on a cruise where he could learn about marine life. Tyler and his family were sent to Port Canaveral, Florida where they would board for a 7-day Caribbean Cruise! They stopped in the Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and had a few “at sea” days as well. Tyler was able to snorkel, swim, and learn all he wanted to about marine life! Even though Tyler is cooping with his brainstem tumor, he was able to forget all about his troubles and set out in the beautiful Caribbean and escape it all. Tyler will forever remember the teal ocean that met the horizon, the white sand under his toes, and the warmth of the setting sun after a joyous day!