Mia Goes Cruisin’ On Her New Bike Thanks to Kids Wish Network

A very special Los Gatos girl recently experienced her dream come true thanks to an organization in Florida that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Nine-year-old Mia, who suffers from lymphoblastic lymphoma, couldn't believe it when Kids Wish Network granted her wish for her own specially designed mobility bicycle!

Mia's special gift began when her mother, Diane, learned about Kids Wish Network from an aunt. Mia had been through a lot in her nine years and Diane was hopeful that she would qualify for a wish with the charity.

In September of 2003, Mia was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma, which is a type of blood cancer. Since that time, she has undergone chemotherapy treatments and has endured frequent stays in the hospital. In addition, Mia has a condition known as Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, a genetic multi-system disorder that causes cardiac, kidney and respiratory problems, as well as a host of other physical anomalies. While Mia has recently finished her chemotherapy treatments for the cancer, doctors still continue to monitor her closely. They are also concerned with problems she is currently experiencing with her lungs and heart.

Because of her many physical and medical anomalies, Mia is unable to do many of the same things as her peers. However, she loves being outside and exercising whenever she can! So it was no surprise when what Mia wanted most for her wish from Kids Wish Network was a bike that she could ride. Her wish coordinator, Madeline, immediately got to work.

After making a couple of phone calls, Madeline was able to find just the right kind of bicycle that Mia wanted! Even better, she was able to secure the assistance of some local civic organizations that were eager to help sponsor Mia's wish. Before long, Mia's bike was on its way!

Diane said that Mia has been having a blast on her new Freedom Concepts bike. The bike is specially designed to accommodate Mia's special needs. Diane said that Mia is enjoying every moment she can outside riding. "We live next to a park by a lake. We take her all the time and we always bring her in her stroller. Now she can ride herself and she loves it!" Diane said that the bike is also excellent physical therapy for Mia. "It's really wonderful for helping to strengthen her muscles." It's also a lot of fun. "She just giggles the whole time she's on it!"

Diane and Mia's dad, Tony, are especially grateful to Kids Wish Network and Madeline. "Everyone is so awesome for making this happen for her!"

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Mia's wish come true: Freedom Concepts, the Los Gatos Elks Lodge No. 1857, the Santa Cruz Elks and the Sunnyvale Rebekah Lodge #363.

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 kidswishnetwork.org.