Kids Wish Network grants wishes

A very special teenager from Dimondale recently enjoyed a wish come true thanks to Kids Wish Network, an organization that grants wishes to kids with life-threatening illnesses.

Bryan has long wanted a big screen television of his very own and he was thrilled when he got one, courtesy of the Florida-based charity.

In many ways, Bryan is a typical teenager. He's described by his mother, Jenny, as an outgoing and cheerful kid who loves playing basketball, swimming, and adding to his collection of remote control cars. Bryan is also a huge game show fan and rarely misses any episodes of some of his favorites, including The Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right and Jeopardy. In his spare time, Bryan also enjoys playing games on the computer and watching the movie, Space Jam, starring his all-time favorite basketball player, Michael Jordan!

When he was just a few months old, Bryan was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and an intractable seizure disorder. The seizure disorder is extremely serious with Bryan suffering around 80 grand mal seizures a month and smaller petite mal seizures approximately 100 times daily. Doctors inserted a vagal nerve stimulator in hopes of controlling the severity and frequency of the seizures, however, unfortunately, it has not worked. Bryan has also developed contractions in his legs and hands. Bryan needs oxygen at night and must use a wheelchair for long distances.

Jenny learned about Kids Wish Network through a family friend. After everything her son had been through in his young life, she was hopeful that Bryan would qualify for a wish. Mother and son were later thrilled to learn that Bryan was indeed eligible and approved for a wish. This brave teen knew just what he wanted: a big screen television - he could think of no better way to watch all of his favorite game shows!

Bryan's Wish Coordinator, Lora, immediately began working hard to make his wish come true. Lora was incredibly grateful to secure the generous sponsorship of the Dimondale Lion's Club and before long, Bryan had his very own RCA 52" Widescreen Projection HDTV television!

Lora made arrangements for Bryan to pick up his television at the Towne Centre Wal-Mart in Lansing, which also helped to sponsor the wish. Bryan couldn't wait to get it home!

Jenny said that Bryan has thoroughly been enjoying his new T.V. "He loves game shows and we have some taped and he also watches the game show channel. Every time he looks at the television he gets a big smile on his face!" She said he really still can't believe it's his. "I think he's kind of spell bound by it. He just keeps grinning!"

Jenny was also incredibly grateful to Kids Wish Network and Bryan's wish coordinator, Lora. "It's all really so nice. Just to see him smile - you can't replace anything like that. It's just great!"

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the Dimondale Lion's Club and Wal-Mart #2867 for helping to make Bryan's wish come true.

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.