Jessica’s Island Dream Comes True Thanks to Kids Wish Network

A very special eight-year-old girl from Steelmantown recently experienced an exciting dream come true thanks to an organization in Florida that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Little Jessica, who suffers with cystic fibrosis, couldn't believe it when Kids Wish Network granted her wish to go to Hawaii!

Jessica's tropical adventure began soon after an aunt referred her mother, Faith, to Kids Wish Network. After everything Jessica had been through in her young life, Faith was hopeful that she would qualify for a wish with the charity.

Jessica was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was just one. C.F. is a chronic lung disease that causes the lungs to be clogged with abnormally thick, sticky mucus. The condition can often lead to extremely serious and life-threatening lung infections. Jessica struggles daily with her disease, which also affects her pancreas and causes her severe problems with food absorption. Jessica has been especially sick this last year and has been hospitalized numerous times. She must endure daily breathing treatments, using a percussion vest, nebulizers and inhalers. Jessica is also on various medications.

After submitting Jessica's name to Kids Wish Network and completing the application process, Faith was overjoyed to learn that her special daughter had been approved for a wish. And there was no hesitation when Jessica was asked for her top wish pick: she was definitely ready for a break and she wanted to spend it in beautiful Hawaii.

Jessica's Kids Wish Network Wish Coordinator, Lora, 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 fun activities on the island, spending money and more. Jessica was in for a truly extraordinary wish trip!

During her stay in Honolulu, Jessica enjoyed a full itinerary of things to do, including a fabulous ride on the Maita'I Catamaran, a beautiful 44-foot boat where she and family took in the sights of Oahu's Waikiki Beach. "That was so much fun," said Faith. "Jessie really liked that!" Another day, the group had a blast at the Honolulu Zoo where Jessica checked out all of the exotic animals. One other very special visit included a visit to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor where the family was treated to a VIP tour. Faith said the experience was amazing. "It was so incredible! And Jessie seemed to really understand and appreciate it. Everyone there was so great, too!"

But the highlight of the trip for Jessica, said Faith, had to be the family's time at Dolphin Quest, where she actually got to get into the water with the dolphins. "That was her favorite! Jessie's always wanted to just kind of be right in there with them. She got in and bobbed around and just smiled right away. It was perfect for her!"

Later, Jessica was thrilled to go on a submarine ride, where she definitely got a different view of the island. "She absolutely loved it!" And when Jessica wasn't busy exploring, she had a blast relaxing on the beach and playing in the water. "She just really enjoyed that," said Faith.

On Jessica's last night in Hawaii, she reveled in an extra special evening of fun and laughter at the Paradise Cove Luau. Faith said Jessica especially enjoyed herself that night. "It was so nice for her. There was kind of a carnival with games and spear throwing and hula dancing. Jessie really loved the hula dancing!"

Jessica returned home tired, but with lots of pictures and even more amazing memories. "Everything was absolutely wonderful," said Faith. "She's so very happy about that trip. It really met all of her expectations if not more. It was truly a great experience for her!" Faith was also grateful to Kids Wish Network and Lora. "Lora was just wonderful and everything went so smoothly. We were very impressed!"

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Jessica's wish extra special: Atlantis Adventures, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Cheeseburger in Paradise, Dollar Rent A Car, Dolphin Quest, Egg Harbor Township Elks Lodge #2563, The Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge #1896, The Honolulu Zoo, Hula Grill Waikiki, Maita'I Catamaran, MI Paintball, Queen's Surf Vacation Rentals, Teddy's Bigger Burgers, U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and Zippy's.

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.