Alyssa’s special beach dream comes true thanks to Kids Wish Network

Three-year-old Alyssa from Cypress,Texas recently enjoyed a wish come true thanks to Kids Wish Network, an organization that grants wishes to kids with life-threatening illnesses.

Three-year-old Alyssa is a precocious and sweet little girl who loves to sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and play with her dog, Cosmos. Described by her mother, Lisa, as happy and loving, Alyssa is very close to her family and adores her older sister, Ashley. When she isn't playing with her Busy Go Go Gears, Alyssa enjoys watching The Wiggles, Blues Clues, and Dora the Explorer and noshing on pizza and spaghetti! While in many ways, she is a typical pre-schooler, Alyssa's life is very different from most children her age.

When she was just a year old, doctors discovered that Alyssa had brain cancer. At 16 months old, they performed surgery and for the last year and a half, Alyssa has been undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatments. The cancer has affected her fine and gross motor skills and her speech and Alyssa must go to occupational, physical and speech therapy frequently. The battle to fight her cancer continues and doctors may soon begin radiation therapy.

Not long ago, Lisa was referred to a children's wish-granting organization in Florida called Kids Wish Network. She submitted Alyssa's name, began the application process, and was later delighted to learn that her daughter was indeed eligible for a wish come true. There was no hesitation when this brave little girl was asked for her number one wish. After spending so much time in the hospital and undergoing so many painful medical procedures, Alyssa was ready for a special vacation and she wanted to spend it on the beach in sunny Clearwater, Florida!

Alyssa's Kids Wish Network Wish Coordinator, Kim, immediately began the arrangements to make her dream come true. She not only secured airline tickets, she also booked hotel accommodations, made dinner reservations for the family at area restaurants, arranged for spending money fun activities and more! Alyssa was in for a truly exciting wish trip!

During her busy adventure in Florida, Alyssa and her family stayed at the beautiful Holiday Inn Sunspree Hotel and spent lots of time having fun on the beach. Alyssa was quick to become acclimated to her new surroundings. "Alyssa's never been to the beach before," said Lisa. "She's seen pictures and has always wanted to go and she absolutely loved it! She got right into the water and would just sit down and giggle and then stand up and giggle and sit down and giggle and just do it all over again! She had so much fun!"

The family also went on a pirate cruise aboard Captain Memo's pirate ship. "That was a really good time," said Lisa. "The kids just loved it." Alyssa also had a blast at the Clearwater Aquarium. "That had to be her favorite," said Lisa. "She got to feed the dolphins and she had the best time. She loved feeding them and she just kept reaching into the pail for more dead fish. We were all shocked!" Lisa's aquatic loving daughter also made her way over to Tampa to visit the Lowry Park Zoo. "They had live sting rays and Alyssa was so excited to pet them!"

Alyssa and her family returned home tired, but with plenty of pictures and even more wonderful memories. "I can't believe how much Kim had planned for us! It was so wonderful and Alyssa's smile was just endless," said Lisa. "She was constantly smiling and giggling - it was so nice to see that part of her. It was all such a blessing and we are so thankful! Alyssa just had a blast!"

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Alyssa's special dream come true: Avis Rent A Car -Tampa International Airport, Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise, The Clearwater Aquarium, Columbia Restaurant - Sandkey, Great Explorations - Children's Museum, Gonolier Italian Restaurant, Holiday Inn - Sunspree Hotel, Lowry Park Zoo, Outback Steakhouse, and Wings Beachwear.

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