Posted by Wishmaster on March 4, 2009
Seven-year-old Lexy from Dix Hills doesn’t need someone to tell her how to get to Sesame Street – she already knows where it is! On a beautiful day last December, Lexy, who is challenged with Angelman Syndrome, and her family were taken by limousine to Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, where the beloved children’s television show Sesame Street is taped. With the help of the hard-working staff at Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County, NY, Inc. and Lexy’s wish granters, she was on her way “to where the air is sweet!”
Upon Lexy’s arrival at the studio, a group of guides brought her and her family backstage where they encountered several crew members and one of the show’s producers. Lexy’s mom, Robin, said they were all very emotional when they met Lexy and were ecstatic to have her visit the set. They were given the opportunity to walk inside Hooper’s Store, and to see Big Bird’s nest and Oscar the Grouch’s “home, sweet home” – his garbage can. There was somebody else, of the furry variety, anxiously waiting to meet Lexy on the set. It was none other than her favorite Sesame Street character of all time – Elmo! Lexy was very excited to see herself on the television monitors as she was being taped interacting with the loveable Muppet during a skit. Elmo, who introduced Lexy as his friend, sang to her and presented the skit as “Lexy’s World” instead of “Elmo’s World.” Additionally, she was given a copy of the skit to take home with her as a very special souvenir! Afterwards, she was invited to watch a live taping of the show. To Lexy’s amazement, some of the other delightful characters, like Bert, Ernie, Telly, and Abby Cadabby, were featured in the episode they were viewing. Not only was Lexy entertained by these characters performing their roles in the episode, but also during practice takes, when it was time to joke around (a defining characteristic of a Muppet personality!)
As Lexy left the studio she was given wonderful gifts, including a bag filled with Sesame Street goodies and the take board from her skit with Elmo. The eventful day continued with a trip to see the phenomenal Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the incomparable toy store, FAO Schwarz. After a dinner out, Lexy and her family headed home with magical memories and smiles that would make the Sesame Street gang proud!
Posted by Wishmaster on December 2, 2008
Seventeen-year-old Christina from Bay Shore has a passion for history. When her wish granters asked what she wanted to do more than anything in the world, a certain place came to mind. Her interest in British culture made a huge impact on her decision to visit the beautiful land where the famed William Wallace became a fierce leader of the resistance to English rule.
On August 1st, 2008, Christina, her parents, eleven-year-old brother and thirteen-year-old sister boarded a plane to London. They spent four days exploring the many tourist sites and other fascinating places off the beaten path. One of Christina’s favorite spots was the Tower of London, where she and her family were given a private tour by two different yeomen warders, or “beefeaters.” The beefeaters explained the history behind each gate and room, including the one that holds the exquisite Crown Jewels. At the end of the tour, they presented Christina with a special journal, in which they wrote their well wishes. She also had the chance to visit the exciting London Eye and the grandiose Buckingham Palace. In addition, after having done research on her own, Christina located the famous Camden Market, where she did some much anticipated shopping! The crowded streets of London never intimidated Christina, who described the bustling capital as being like “New York City, on a good day!”
They then traveled by train to Scotland’s charming capital city of Edinburgh. Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County’s Wish Coordinator, Johan Staley, who is from Edinburgh, had a wonderful time planning Christina’s activities in her home city. One of these activities, and a highlight for Christina, was a ghost and witchery tour that was given on the historic Royal Mile near Edinburgh Castle. After two days in the capital, Johan then arranged for the family to pick up a rental car to drive to the town of Stirling, where they took a private tour of William Wallace’s monument. Christina’s tour guide allowed her to hold a replica of William Wallace’s sword – an extremely rare opportunity for any visitor. During their overnight stay at Airth Castle, Christina’s mom, Dorothy, got in the “spirit” by pretending to be a ghost while her children took pictures of her creeping through the halls! The next leg of the trip was a scenic drive north to the Highlands of Scotland in Inverness. While there, the family took a boat tour of renowned Loch Ness (no monster to be found!) and a jeep excursion around the countryside of Urquhart Castle. Their amazing vacation ended with a train ride back to London for the flight home.
Dorothy summed up the journey by saying, “Words cannot express how much was done for us…we felt very special.” Christina loved every moment, even the cab rides: “The Scottish taxi drivers were happy to talk to me…they were so funny!” From William Wallace’s story to present-day British culture and beyond, Christina’s wish was boundless in incredible memories.
Seven-year-old Lexy from Dix Hills doesn’t need someone to tell her how to get to Sesame Street – she already knows where it is! On a beautiful day last December, Lexy, who is challenged with Angelman Syndrome, and her family were taken by limousine to Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, where the beloved children’s television show Sesame Street is taped. With the help of the hard-working staff at Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County, NY, Inc. and Lexy’s wish granters, she was on her way “to where the air is sweet!” 
