Kids Wish Network grants wishes

A very special boy from Kissimmee, Fla. recently had his California dream comes true thanks to a children's organization in Florida called Kids Wish Network that grants wishes to kids with life-threatening illnesses.

In many ways, Brayan is just like any other 10-year-old boy. An affable kid who makes friends easily, Brayan loves dogs, playing games on his GameCube, and watching his favorite show, All That, on Nickelodeon. When he isn't in school - where he enjoys art class most - Brayan likes to watch basketball games and scary movies and challenge his friends to games on his Playstation. He's also crazy about the color red and loves noshing on his favorite snack, rice and beans.

There is one thing however, that makes Brayan unique from his friends. Brayan was born with spina bifida, a neural tube defect that occurs when the spinal column fails to close completely before birth, causing spinal cord nerve damage. Because of his condition, Brayan is confined to a wheelchair and must take daily medications. Life can be a daily challenge for Brayan as he struggles to do many things other kids his age take for granted. For now, Brayan is anxiously waiting for new leg braces that are being specially made for him. He hopes one day to learn to walk with them.

Not long ago, Brayan's mother, Jubely, learned about a children's wish granting organization called Kids Wish Network after being contacted by one of the charity's professional fundraisers. She submitted Brayan's name, began the application process, and was later delighted to learn that her special son was indeed eligible for a wish come true. There was no hesitation when Brayan was asked for his number one wish pick; he was ready for a much-needed vacation and wanted to spend it in sunny California!

Brayan's wish coordinator, Kim, immediately began making the arrangements for his special wish. She not only secured airline tickets and hotel accommodations, she also made dinner reservations for the family at area restaurants, arranged for spending money, fun activities and more. Brayan was in for a truly spectacular wish trip!

During Brayan's exciting wish adventure to California, he and his family visited Universal Studios, Hollywood, Virgin Records, different museums, the beach, and of course took the famed Tour of the Stars. "There was so much to do," said Jubely. "Everyday we woke up early and went to bed late!"

"It was great!" said Brayan of his trip. He said Universal was probably the most fun - especially the live pirate show. The Tour of the Star however, was much more educational. "I saw the house of the original Tarzan! His pool was 40 feet deep!" Following in third was 70's night at the Hard Rock Café. "That was really cool!"

Brayan and his family returned home tired but plenty of pictures and even more wonderful memories. "It was excellent," said Jubely of her son's special trip. "Everything was so wonderful and perfect. Brayan was so excited. He's still talking about it! We're all so thankful for this trip!"

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Brayan's wish come true: Hard Rock Café, Lucky Strike Lanes, Mel's Diner, National Car Rental - Los Angeles Airport, Park Hyatt Los Angeles, Saddle Ranch Chophouse, Starline Tours, and Universal Studios.

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 www.kidswishnetwork.org