Holdman Christmas

1 Wish Granted in 2008

A big Thank You to everybody that donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the 2008 season. The total of all the donations were $4,475 and was enough to grant one wish to a very special girl. Read her story below and hopefully we can grant another wish or two for the 2009 season.

McKaylee's Disney World Wish

McKaylee's Wish

Lindsey wished to go to Disney World where she can have a break from the medical worries she faces on a daily basis. While in Disney World, she and her family had the experience of a lifetime. They stayed in a special resort for Wish children and their families, called Give Kids the World. At the resort, as well as Disney World, the family receives special attention and participates in memorable activities.

"Amazing" and "incredible" seemed to be the only words McKaylee's mom could use to describe her 11 year old daughter's wish trip to Walt Disney World resort. When McKaylee's mom asked her what her favorite thing was she replied, "Mom, I don't have a favorite, I loved it ALL". McKylee has Hodgkin's Lymphoma which is a cancer of the immune system. Her mom said it was a blessing McKaylee found out she was going to Disney World before she started chemo. It was never a certain thing how long or how many times she would have to go back to chemo or get radiation. However, while undergoing treatments, she always knew she would go to Disney World and was counting down the very days till she would be there. Disney World for McKaylee was always a constant.

McKaylee was able to share this experience with her mom, dad and two of her siblings. Even her 21 year old brother enjoyed it! When she went to Disney World she was done with chemo and even had about an inch of hair. The weather was beautiful and McKaylee's days were filled with exciting adventures. She enjoyed going to the Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Sea World and seeing the Light Parade with the fireworks. She was even invited right into Mickey's house just so she could personally meet Mickey and Minnie. She also got to meet the princesses in a special room where she could talk to them one-on-one.

McKaylee was upbeat and loved going to the front of the line for rides (as all wish kids get to do) because it allowed her extra time to do even more unforgettable things. McKaylee's mom also felt the wish brought the family closer together as McKaylee called her two older brothers each night and gave them a report on everything that had happened that day. When they got back they had lots of pictures to show and as McKaylee's mom said, "it made them a part of it too". McKaylee and her family are so grateful for the people who were able to make her wish come true. "It is something none of us will ever forget. She still talks about it and looks at pictures everyday, it was just so amazing".

2 Wishes Granted in 2007

A big thank you to everybody that donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the 2007 season. The total of all the donations were $10,219.97 and will directly impact the lives of two children and their families. A wish takes about $5,000 and because of the many donations that people contributed, 2 wishes will be granted to two very special kids. Below are the two wishes that your donations were directly responsible for.

Lindsey's Disney World Wish

Lindsey struggles with a seizure disorder as well as scoliosis, but that doesn't stop her from being a very sweet and loving girl. Lindsey is 11, but her cognitive age is between 2 and 5. She is 5 feet tall, and her mom describes her as a "gentle giant." She is great at sharing toys with her baby brother. She is very friendly and enjoys touching everyone. She loves rubber ducks! Lindsey's favorite color is baby-blue. Her favorite foods include salad and alfredo fettuccine with chicken.

Lindsey wished to go to Disney World where she can have a break from the medical worries she faces on a daily basis. While in Disney World, she and her family will have the experience of a lifetime. They will get to stay in a special resort for Wish children and their families, called Give Kids the World. At the resort, as well as Disney World, the family will receive special attention and get to participate in memorable activities.

John's Shopping Spree Wish

John is a good student, likes math, and is conscience about his homework. Throughout his battle with end stage renal disease, it has been important for him to get his homework done. He enjoys board games and computer games, especially Nintendo. John's mother describes him as strong willed but cooperative. His favorite color is purple, and he love tacos and ice cream.

On his 13th birthday John came to A Wishing Place and declared his wish. John is very shy and quiet and he didn't say much. While in the wishing room, he asked to go on a shopping spree with his father, who he has not been able to see for a long time. His wish will include flying in his father from Virginia.

As he was leaving the wish room, he entered the elevator and found a gift inside. He opened the gift slowly, trying not to rip the paper. Those who were with him sang Happy Birthday twice and Happy Wish Day. He finally opened the gift and found a Wii game system. That was one on the things he really wanted on his shopping spree. Afterwards they celebrated with ice cream cake.

Learn more about Make-A-Wish