One of Kyle’s wish granters, Dave Gussaroff, was given the chance to experience the wish with Kyle – a special opportunity that occurs during most local celebrity wishes. On December 12th, 2009, Kyle, his mom, his mom’s fiancé, his sister, and Dave were all whisked away by limousine to Nassau Coliseum, home of the Islanders. When they arrived, the excited group was welcomed at the entrance by an Islanders’ PR representative and taken to a greeting area at ice-level, where Kyle was able to watch the players stretch and warm up before the game. He was then given an authentic Islanders jersey with his name printed across the back, a gift that would come in handy later on!

When Dave and Kyle’s family were brought to their seats for the game, Kyle was invited to step out onto the ice to drop the first puck! A carpet was rolled out over the ice as Kyle walked to the center of the rink and an announcer relayed Kyle’s story to the spectators. Not only was Dave extremely impressed by all the fanfare Kyle received, but also the way Kyle handled the crowd. “He was so calm and collected out there. And he was waving like a pro!” The crowd responded with a standing ovation. What Kyle didn’t know was that his favorite player of all time, Trent Hunter, was waiting in the wings to face off with the opponent. Hunter skated out to greet an astonished Kyle while a player from the opposing team, the Boston Bruins, went to meet Trent at center ice. Kyle was also pleased to see that the Bruins sent out Zdeno Chara. At 6’ 9”, Chara is the tallest player ever to play in the NHL. The game itself was fun and thrilling for everyone – the Isles won 2-1 in overtime!

After the game, Kyle and his family were escorted back to the greeting area, where many of the Islanders stayed to sign autographs and to chat. Each one of them signed Kyle’s new personalized jersey, along with other Islander paraphernalia that Kyle had brought with him, plus spending extra time talking with him. Even the head coach, Scott Gordon, made it a point to speak with the VIP. After chatting for a while, Trent Hunter made Kyle’s day complete by signing a top-of-the-line hockey stick and giving it to him as a special keepsake!

Kyle was then given a tour of the locker room, the dressing room with all the equipment and the gym where the team works out. After, it was time to wrap up Kyle’s wish. The group was all smiles as they headed back home in the limo, reflecting on all the incredible highlights of the day. Just as the Islanders will always have a fan in Kyle, there is no doubt that Kyle will always have a fan in the Islanders!

Twelve-year-old Justin from Lindenhurst can now add “world traveler” to his list of accomplishments! As Justin is challenged with seizure disorder and the inability to verbalize, his mother, Jenny, was very helpful in determining an appropriate and amazing wish experience. Since Jenny’s family is from China, the staff and volunteers at Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County, NY, Inc. worked diligently to put together a trip to Hong Kong!
Last June, Justin and his family traveled to the majestic city to explore its many famous sites. Their busy itinerary included a stay at the Disneyland Hotel and a visit to the world-renowned Disneyland parks. Of course, all of Justin’s favorite characters were there to welcome him with open arms! The family stayed at the luxurious Renaissance Kowloon Hotel for the remainder of their time in the city proper. Then, it was off to Chengdu, where Jenny’s family resides.
During this much-anticipated occasion, two very important milestones were reached: not only was Justin able to meet his great-grandfather for the first time, but he also had the special opportunity to celebrate his 99th birthday! To put a finishing touch on the festivities, Justin’s great-grandfather proudly rode around on his bicycle for everyone to see! As if all of this wasn’t enough positive stimulation for Justin, another family member treated him to an outing to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center. While there, Justin got the chance to hold a panda cub and take pictures with his new little friend. More valuable than any souvenir, Justin brought home beautiful memories to cherish for years to come.
Justin’s magnificent wish was granted in honor and in memory of Duncan K. Wang, a dear friend of Make-A-Wish of Suffolk County. Duncan served as a member of the Board of Directors and became the chapter’s President and CEO in 2000. Even after he decided to move to Singapore, he continued to dedicate his time and talents to the organization’s mission by establishing the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Singapore. Thanks to Duncan’s commitment, the Singapore chapter has fulfilled close to 500 wishes since its inception. Duncan would have been excited about Justin’s wish and happy to know that he had such a fantastic adventure.

Steven’s Words, read at Bouquet of Wishes 2009.

Hi, my name is Steven. I am 17 years old and I’m a junior at St. Anthony’s High School. I am sorry that I cannot be with you tonight as I am currently sick and undergoing surgery. However, here is some information that I hope will tell you at least a little bit about myself and my experience with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I was born with Spina Bifida. This is a disability that prevents me from using my legs. I am also epileptic and have hydrocephalus.

Even with all of my medical conditions my family has always been a source of support and strength. Because of this support system, I felt secure enough to freely explore hobbies and interests that suited my personality and physical abilities. I just knew at the age of six when I started skiing that it was what I wanted to do the rest of my life. I remember clearly my first day skiing clearly. It was at Windham Mountain and I was put into a race through the mountain. My Dad was with me and we were both very nervous and excited! Going down the mountain I experienced emotions I can barely explain. I didn’t feel like I had any limitations at all. My Dad says right from the beginning of that day I was beaming from ear to ear.

I’ve told you that I have no use of my legs and yet my favorite pastime is skiing. How does a person who can’t walk ski? Well they monoski. Monoskiing entails sitting in something called a bucket which is a seat that I am strapped into. The bucket is on a frame that contains a shock and with the whole device sitting on a single ski. Steering is done by using two short outriggers that have mini skis on the end of them.

As I’ve become an older and more experienced skier, I’ve wanted more and more to take a trip out west to ski because I have heard that the skiing and conditions are amazing out there. This wish was something that I thought would never happen until the people of Make-A-Wish became involved.

Dave is a volunteer with Make-A-Wish who helped me make my wish to go to Colorado with my family to ski, become a reality. Dave is a great guy who cared very much about making my wish as great as it could be.

My wish really started before we even hit the slopes. As soon as we landed in Denver International Airport, it all became real. Just seeing the Rocky Mountains was so unbelievable. My family and I spent 5 days skiing at Colorado’s Winter Park Resort. It was warm enough one day that we were able to eat lunch on top of the mountain!

One day there was a blizzard and my Dad and I got stuck up on the top of the mountain! He was pushing me uphill and I thought he was going to have a heart attack but he didn’t which was a big relief. It was another unique memory to look back on. Other great moments were taking a horse drawn sleigh to go eat dinner with real cowboys.

I want to thank everyone here tonight for your support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, because if it weren’t for the kindness and generosity that you showed me and many other children and their families, we wouldn’t be able to have these amazing experiences in our lives. This really was a once in a lifetime experience. This trip really meant so much to me and I’ll never forget the wish that started in me. The people who had the ability to make it happen, and the wonderful memories I now have that will last a lifetime.

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!

Katelin is a sweet and passionate 17 year old from Ridge who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease last October. When wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County, NY, Inc., came to visit her and asked her what her wish would be, she told them it was time to give her bedroom a makeover- her wish was for a Room Re-do! Despite her quiet demeanor, Katelin knew what she wanted right away and wasn’t afraid to speak up.

    Without hesitation, Katelin began describing what her dream room should look like, a futon being the most important accessory. She also knew that she wanted it to be pink, with stars, and black furniture. Katelin’s wish was made extra special when Chris, the Dad of another wish child, offered to paint her room. Chris spent 3 days painting the walls pink, and stenciling, painting, and outlining the stars!

    Katelin then picked out her accessories. She chose a pink bedspread and lamp, both with black trim to accent her furniture, including a curio and futon, and black window treatments. To complete her room, Katelin chose a waterbed- a perfect fit for her funky, new bedroom!

    Her mother, Catherine said, “all of the people involved were just dynamite!” and couldn’t have been happier with the whole wish experience. She said it shed a positive light on a negative thing and reminded the family that, “there is life after cancer.” A normally quiet Katelin exclaimed of her new room, “ I love it!” She also thanked her wish granters for all of their time and effort and said, “You really did make my wish come true. I love my new room!”

   Through this whole experience, Katelin did not lose hope. Katelin is currently in remission and started her senior year of high school this fall!

Michael is a vivacious and creative 13 year old from West Babylon who suffers from a Non-Germinona Germ Cell Tumor. When wish grantors from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County, NY, Inc. went to Michael and asked him what his wish would be, he said that he wanted his room redecorated! He spends a lot of time in his room so he wanted to customize it to his liking. 

Since Michael enjoys movies so much, it was no surprise that he choose to have his room re-done with a movie theater theme. Michael received a flat panel TV and a DVD player. His room includes a bubble gum machine, soda machine, and a popcorn machine. Michael also chose to have a day bed that is a perfect fit to his theater-themed room!

His mother, Eugenia, said that when Michael first decided on his wish, he drew out the sketch of his room. Eugenia said, “He originally wanted his room to have a movie projector in it, then he realized that his room was not big enough, so he got the big screen flat panel TV and is very happy.” She also said that “Michael loves his bed; he never wants to leave his room and this wish has made him so happy.”

Michael had a great time helping to pick out what he wanted in his room. He said, “The Make-A-Wish Foundation was great and so helpful with everything!” Michael had his wish come true!

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.

When Patrick was very little, it only took one pony ride at a local fair to convince him that horses were incredible animals. Nine-year-old Patrick from Greenlawn, Long Island is challenged by liver disease and hydrocephalus. Due to complications from his condition, he became visually and hearing impaired at the age of four. Despite these difficulties, Patrick decided very early on that he would not let his personal obstacles stop him from following one of his true passions.

With the help and support of a dedicated instructor, Patrick soon came to love riding horses while taking lessons at a special school in Islandia called Pal-O-Mine. When Make-A-Wish of Suffolk County was contacted to grant Patrick a wish, there was no question what he wanted to do – to go to Kentucky to “meet” his favorite racehorse, Smarty Jones! Thanks to the hard work of the Make-A-Wish staff and volunteers in both Suffolk County and in Kentucky, last April, Patrick and his mom Susan boarded a plane to the Bluegrass State, where many exciting adventures awaited them!

The first stop on the tour was the moment that Patrick had been waiting for – a visit to Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, where Smarty Jones is stabled! Patrick approached the Derby winner with the care and calmness of a professional handler, according to one of the men working at the stables. He told Susan how impressed he was with the way her son glided his hand down Smarty’s legs to feel his muscles, a technique Patrick learned at his riding school. Patrick was amazed by how smooth and soft Smarty’s coat was, and even more astonished by what happened next – a piece of Smarty’s mane was braided and cut so that Patrick could have it as a keepsake! He also had the unique opportunity to interact with Smarty’s two beautiful foals. Another highlight of the day was experiencing the thrill of Smarty running through a field as fast as he would during a race! Regardless of his visual and hearing impairments, Patrick could sense Smarty’s immense power and energy.

The next day, Patrick and his family were taken to Churchill Downs in Louisville for a special tour. While there, they were able to meet a few jockeys and be spectators for a practice run around the famous track. They were invited to stand inside the tunnel underneath the track so that Patrick could feel the vibrations of the horses running over it. Patrick was also given a jockey’s silk, riding crop, and hat as gifts, which were presented to him in his favorite colors, yellow and black! Furthermore, Patrick visited Central Kentucky Riding For Hope, a non-profit organization that encourages therapeutic horseback riding for children with special needs. He had a wonderful time doing some riding and jumping at their facility. An afternoon at Keeneland track added even more excitement to the wish as they sat in box seats for an exhilarating race!

For Patrick, meeting Smarty Jones, and being immersed in “horse culture,” were dreams come true. Susan summed up the amazing experience: “We think about the wish every day…it was more than we could have ever imagined.” She explains to Patrick, who not only takes riding lessons, but has also joined a soccer league and Boy Scouts (and wants to take jiu-jitsu), that he can do anything in the world. She says, “I tell him all the time ‘Look how much you’ve done!’ I’m very blessed to have him every day.” What is Patrick’s next venture? Susan reveals, “Now he wants to meet Big Brown!”

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