(File photo) Idina Menzel and Samantha pose for photos at the film premiere of Enchanted.
Kids Wish Network: Samantha Has an Enchanting Visit with Her Idol
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JANUARY 22, 2008
By Press Release, Kids Wish Network

Samantha of New Berlin is an outgoing teen and an aspiring actress. A talented singer, she dreams of one day performing on stage just like her favorite actress and singer, Idina Menzel, Tony Award winner from Broadway’s smash hit, Wicked. Recently, one of Samantha’s dreams finally did come true when she actually got to meet her idol in person. Samantha’s wish came courtesy of Kids Wish Network, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.
Samantha has a condition known as common variable immunodeficiency. CVID is a disorder that results in a highly impaired immune system response. In addition, Samantha has thrombosis, which causes her to develop frequent and life-threatening blood clots. During her battle with her complex medical anomalies, Samantha also developed Guillian-Barre, an acute illness that causes inflammation of the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Samantha has been hospitalized countless times over the last couple of years and has also endured painful plasma infusions.
Samantha’s parents, Patty and Charlie, learned about Kids Wish Network from a friend. Charlie called the charity and submitted Samantha’s name. The family began the application process and before long received the good news: Samantha had been approved for a wish. This brave girl knew just what she wanted to do: she wanted to meet actress Idina Menzel.
Samantha’s Kids Wish Network wish coordinator, Madeline, quickly began the arrangements to make her wish an extra special one! She not only secured airline tickets to Los Angeles for the premier of Idina’s new movie, Enchanted, she also made hotel reservations for the family, arranged for fun activities in the area, provided spending money and most importantly, arranged for a meet and greet between Samantha and Idina. It would truly prove to be a trip Samantha will never forget.
The day after arriving in California, Samantha learned that she had a surprise dinner date: Idina Menzel herself. The actress met Samantha, her mom and Madeline for dinner on the rooftop of Barney’s. Samantha and Idina clicked right away. Patty said it was amazing. “Idina was the most gracious and generous lady. She spent so much time with Sammy – it was really special!”
During dinner, the pair chatted easily together – talking mostly about the theater and acting – posed for pictures and even exchanged gifts of necklaces. Sammy also sang for Idina; she had chosen a song that Idina had sung herself in Aida. “She had Idina crying,” recalled Patty. The two also planned to meet up on the red carpet the next night for the premiere of Enchanted. And "enchanted" was just how Samantha was feeling.
The next day, Samantha met with a professional Hollywood hairdresser and a make up artist that Madeline had arranged for to ‘glam’ her up for the big night. Before long, this amazing teenager was red carpet ready.
At the premiere, Samantha caught up with Idina amid the flashing lights of the paparazzi. “She ate it up,” laughed Patty of Samantha’s red carpet debut. Idina and Samantha hugged warmly and mugged for the cameras around them. There were some other famous faces there as well. Not only did Samantha get to meet stars like Oscar winning actress, Helen Mirren, she also met Teri Hatcher, Carrie Underwood, Jane Kaczmarek, and heartthrob Dr. McDreamy himself, Patrick Dempsey of Grey’s Anatomy. After the movie, Samantha headed to the after party where she rubbed elbows with Taye Diggs of Private Practice and Ugly Betty’s America Ferrera.
Samantha returned home from her whirlwind adventure tired, but with memories that she will treasure forever. “It was so indescribable,” said Patty of her daughter’s entire experience. “How can you even put it into words? It’s really given Sammy a lot of energy. She can’t stop talking about it every second!” Patty was also truly grateful to Madeline and Kids Wish Network for making it all happen. “Madeline is awesome! Everything was just wonderful. If I said ‘thank you’ a million times it wouldn’t be enough. It was absolutely the perfect wish!”
Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Samantha’s wish extra special: AirTran, ALS Limousine, Ambrose Hotel, Exclusive Artists Management, Jeffrey Paul, New Berlin Eagles, Pacific Park, P.F. Chang’s, Rusty’s Surf Ranch, Shiyena, Walt Disney Studios and of course, Ms. Idina Menzel!
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. If you know a child between the ages of 3 and 18 who may be in need of its wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit their website at www.kidswishnetwork.org