August 2008
Back to School items are needed!
Click here for a list of supplies
Click here to see the winner of this years 2008 BMW 328i donated by Fields BMW
Art of the Vine was a huge success! Thank you to our sponsors and everyone who participated. View the photo gallery for pictures from the event.
Two new videos have been added to the newsroom on our Grief and Wish programs!
And the winner of the Infiniti G37 2 year lease is... Click here for story.
Thank you Orlando Infiniti and all other sponsors for making Shaken & Stirred such a successfull event! Click here to see pictures from the event.
Click here to watch a video about a few of our families and their journey through New Hope for Kids.
Although Jayden appears to be like every other 3-year-old boy, he is not. He can run, play, and shout; he’s animated and charming, but he has already gone through 6 surgeries. He was only a year old when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Following the surgeries and 72 chemo treatments, Jayden is holding his own and in remission. He still has a shunt to relieve the pressure of spinal fluid that his body cannot release.
Kaylee was one of the poster children for United Cerebral Palsy. She’s 10 years old and has spina bifida. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Kaylee faces each challenge with a smile and an attitude that says, “Yes I can do this.” She wished for a laptop computer to use at school and home, because she’s determined to excel and enjoy life. Crazy4Kids, a UCF Cornerstone team worked with New Hope for Kids to make Kaylee’s wish reality. It was the driving force behind their efforts. Kaylee was very shy when she met the team, but they patiently waited and eventually she opened up to them. Upon learning that ChuckECheese was one of her favorite places, the team arranged a memorable celebration for Kaylee and her family there. Everyone had a great time, and Kaylee felt like she was Queen for the Day!
Nearly ten years old, Tanner is very quiet and cautious. He has learned to make lifelong adjustments while living with diabetes. Because a child’s activity affects his sugar levels, juvenile diabetes can be dangerous and difficult to control. Despite these challenges, Tanner finds many ways to have fun. His favorite activity is camping. He longed to have a pop-top camper to share with his sister Savannah, who suffers from a chromosomal abnormality. Tanner knows this is a big wish, but New Hope for Kids and Teams Knight Club and L.O.V.E. made it happen. Wish celebrations—a picnic and birthday party were planned and provided entirely by the teams. Local businesses donated refreshments. Tanner and his family were overwhelmed by the table covered with trays of food, a Godzilla cake, decorations, and to top it off—ice cream! They even planned activities and games. It was an unforgettable Wish!
Meet Jessica
At 7 years old, Kacie is confined to a wheelchair unable to run and play like other girls her age. She has cerebral palsy and every day is a challenge. One of Kacie’s favorite things to do is to watch Disney movies. She likes to pretend she is a princess like Cinderella and Snow White; and she is a little princess. New Hope for Kids granted Kacie’s wish to go on a Disney family cruise this summer. It was a big wish that could not be fulfilled without the help of our community. A UCF Cornerstone Knights for Hope team raised nearly $3,000 to help make Kacie’s wish come true. One of the best parts was celebrating Kacie’s wish with her family and friends in her school classroom.
At 13, Robert would love to play sports like other youngsters his age, but due to spina bifida, his mobility is limited. New Hope for Kids wants to give Robert something special to look forward to—a trip to Peru with his mother and sister to see his grandparents and homeland. It has been years since he saw his family there, and Robert’s eyes lit up with anticipation when he asked if that could be his wish. The Dreamers and Achievers Team helped to grant Robert’s wish by raising nearly $3,000! The spirit of the team has been an inspiration. Robert was also honored with an invitation to attend one of UCF’s games with them. They went “beyond the call of duty” to make sure he has a celebration that he will never forget. This is in keeping with New Hope for Kid’s goal to make every wish a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Jonathan, 16, has a story to tell! Tall, handsome, a sports lover, Jonathan was a healthy youth when he began to show symptoms of a diagnosis for Ewing Sarcoma or bone cancer. Since then, he has been through surgery, chemotherapy and months of agonizing pain. The worst part is that the chemotherapy has weakened his heart and bones and he will never be able to play sports again. Despite these setbacks, Jonathan has a positive outlook and is very thankful to be in remission. More than anything he could have owned, seen or done, Jonathan’s wish was to see his grandmom in Puerto Rico. On March 10, New Hope for Kids flew him, his parents, two brothers and sister to San
Juan to join their extended family. I’ve since heard they have had the time of their lives! The UCF Dreambuilders team is planning a celebration at Jonathan’s favorite restaurant on April 1.
At 17, Elyse is learning to become more independent, but there are many challenges for her. She has Down syndrome, an extra 21st
chromosome that causes learning and growth problems as well as increased health risks and shortened life expectancy. Elyse shines in spite of these challenges. She is social and vibrant. Her wish was to go to New York City, see Broadway shows,shop and taste the Big Apple! UCF’s Cornerstone Team, Angels In the
Outfield, did an outstanding job to raise $2,600 plus $1,800 in-kind donation of Hotel W discount on accommodations for Elyse’s wish. They also hosted a wish celebration for Elyse at Amigo’s, her favorite restaurant. As you can see from the picture above, Elyse’s appreciation is written across her face in a big smile!
Chelsey's wish celebration was held at the "Top of Daytona" restaurant in Daytona Beach. Loved ones gathered to say "Bon Voyage" to the bright-eyed cutie and her family that embarked on a 7-day Disney Cruise. She had an amazing trip spending time with Minnie Mouse and her pals. Every day is a challenge for seven-year-old Chelsey. She endures daily treatments to help control cystic fibrosis, an inherited disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract. It is the most common type of chronic lung disease in children and young adults, and may result in early death. Chelsey takes it all in stride, and is a happy, well-adjusted youngster who just wants to have fun.
New Hope for Kids is especially grateful to those who helped make Chelsey's wish come true: Marianna Vanderhoof, the "Top of Daytona" for providing beverages and hors'd'ouvres, the Otte family, and The Wreck Restaurant staff and customers. Collectively, they provided $2,000 to go toward Chelsey's party, cruise and spending money.
Elijah is only 2 years old and has already fought the hardest battle of his life-he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a solid tumor cancer that begins in the nerve tissue. He has had 4 rounds of chemotherapy and is currently doing very well. His mother Ashley shared, "His wish is being granted just one day shy of his 2 year mark of being diagnosed. It's amazing to think, 2 years ago I was told he wasn't going to survive the night, and here he is getting a wish granted. It just blows my mind!" Elijah is full of bounce and fun. He would like a friend to share his energy-a boxer puppy! New Hope for Kids thanks Pet Smart and Banfield Hospital for donating a year's supply of dogfood, obediance training and a Healthcare Plan. Thanks to these donors and today's sponsors for helping make Elijah's wish come true!
Meet Brooke
Laurita is 17 years old and suffers from spina bifida and shunted hydrocephalus. Spina bifida is an opening in the spinal column at birth. Although surgery closes the opening, there are many health complications. She uses braces or a wheelchair at school when she is required to walk for long periods. Last summer she had surgery on her foot to help her gain greater mobility.
When Laurita applied for a wish last year, she was struggling with the challenge of finding her niche. She is a vivacious, enthusiastic teenager interested in acting, theater and television productions. As part of her wish, the Orlando Youth Theater donated the Summer Stock camp and Laurita played a role in "Kiss Me Kate." Laurita plays the violin, enjoys acting, public speaking and is an active supporter of the Spina Bifida Association. She has already surmounted many obstacles and will surely succeed in future endeavors. She once told me, "I do not like to call myself disable. Instead, I simply think of myself as challenged. New Hope for Kids granted Laurita's wish to meet Bill Hemmer, then news anchor for CNN's morning show. He and his staff made Laurita feel like a star!
Severe asthma frequently sends Amanda to the hospital. At other times, 15-year-old Amanda is a ball of energy and enthusiasm. She enjoys drama, travel and public speaking, and is a spokesman for the American Thoracic Society. Her wish reflects her wide range of interests. She would like to go to England, visit London's theater, Kensington Gardens, the Hampton maze and any sites related to Shakespeare or Harry Potter. The UCF Cornerstone RT^3 Team and the St. Charles Jr. Honor Society raised funds and hosted wish "Bon Voyage!" celebrations for Amanda. She and her mom described the trip as a "magical adventure!"
A shiny black limousine rolled up to Bermarie’s apartment. Seven-year old Bermarie is a post-heart transplant recipient who has battled health problems since birth. She, her sister, mom and two aunts stepped inside the limo. The family had recently moved to the apartment and Bermarie’s wish was for a bedroom suite and accessories. The limousine took them all to Kid’s Rooms To Go. Bermarie picked out the prettiest bed, dresser, mirror, desk with a hutch and linens in her favorite colors--pink and purple! After shopping, they celebrated with lunch at the Olive Garden.
