Kids Wish Network grants wishes

A very special young man from Spicer, Minnesota with a life-threatening illness couldn't believe it when his wish for a computer came true, thanks to a children's organization in Florida called Kids Wish Network that grants wishes to kids with life-threatening illnesses.

Twelve-year-old Dayton of Spicer, Minnesota suffers from a number of very severe medical problems that have a profound effect on his every day life. This extraordinary youngster has been through a great deal in the last few years and the unique nature of Dayton's condition prevents him from doing a lot of the same things as other kids his age. Thanks to an organization in Florida called Kids Wish Network, however, Dayton recently experienced a special dream come true that cheered him right up. Dayton couldn't believe it when his wish for his very own computer came true!

Several years ago, Dayton began experiencing an array of medical anomalies. After running various tests, doctors discovered that one of Dayton's heart valves is abnormally small. Because of the nature of his heart condition, Dayton must be monitored closely by a pediatric cardiologist and is unable to engage in many physical activities. In addition, Dayton has kidney problems, for which he must frequently see a specialist. He is also under the care of a geneticist and pediatric neurologist. Dayton has begun experiencing extreme difficulty with coordination and balance and has suffered hearing loss. Doctors are not sure what exactly is happening to Dayton but are continuing to run various tests to determine how best to treat him. Dayton also has very severe rheumatoid arthritis, which profoundly affects his lower joints and for which he must wear leg braces.

Dayton's special computer wish began soon after his mother, Angela, learned about Kids Wish Network and submitted his name for a wish. After everything Dayton had been through, Angela was hopeful that he would qualify. Both mother and son were thrilled when he was indeed approved for his wish.

Dayton's Wish Coordinator, Lora, immediately began working hard to make his wish come true. Before long, Dayton's computer was on its way!

Dayton was ecstatic when he got his laptop, in addition to a brand new printer, various other accessories, a wireless Internet connection and more! "He's absolutely loving it!" said Angela. "It's so exciting for him and he's having so much fun!"

A huge animal lover, Dayton has been spending lots of time on the Internet researching different cats and dogs and also playing games. Angela said that it's also going to be great for school and they are busy looking for creative and fun learning games to download.

In the midst of all of the excitement, Dayton couldn't believe it when he received an extra special surprise in the mail from Kids Wish Network: a huge gift box stuffed full of toys and games, courtesy of the charity's distribution center, which stocks toys for the wish coordinators to send to their kids. "He was absolutely, positively thrilled," said Angela. "It was such a nice and unexpected surprise!"

Angela said that she was tremendously grateful to Lora and Kids Wish Network. "This was such a blessing for Dayton. He is just so excited! And Lora was really sweet. We are so thankful for everything!

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Dayton's wish extra special: American Legion Post 545 and Computers and More.

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 813-891-9374 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit their website at kidswishnetwork.org.