 Ooh
La La!
Katie's Fashionably French Wish Comes True!
Katie is a fourteen-year-old who
has undergone several surgeries for a congenital heart condition and will
eventually require a heart transplant. Last year, after learning more about
the Make-A-Wish Foundation®
of Suffolk County, NY, Inc., Judy, her
Mom, submitted Katie's name for a wish. After studying French for three years,
Katie explained that she became curious about visiting the country. Plus, like
most teenagers, Katie has an interest in fashion so she wanted to attend the
famous fashion shows in Paris.
In October of 2003, Katie along with her
mother, father and two brothers enjoyed a full week in Paris. During the
renowned "Paris Fashion Week," she attended the fashion shows of Dior, Leonards, Galliano and Valentino and had excellent seats for each. Katie
explained that at the first show, Dior, she could not believe how loud the
music was but adds, "I was kind of in awe." While in France, the family was
able to visit more of the country's treasures. On her taxi ride from the
airport to the hotel, it finally hit Katie that she was in Paris when she
passed the Eiffel Tower. A trip to the famous tower was slated for a few days
later as well as excursions to Euro Disney, Chartres Cathedral, the Louvre,
and Katie's favorites, Versailles and Notre Dame. Katie and her family rounded
off the Parisian experience by trying some authentic French food, and even
attempting to speak some French to the natives. It was definitely a wish that
had a certain je ne sais quoi!
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A Musical Wish Comes
True...With a Spanish Flair!
When Jessica, a seventeen-year-old from
Riverhead, was asked what she would want to do more than anything in the
world, she exclaimed, "Sing!" Singing became a special hobby for Jessica as
she was growing up. Jessica was diagnosed with a life-threatening medical
condition called pemphigus vulgaris, a rare auto-immune disease of the skin.
This condition forced her to spend a lot of time in the hospital. After
several doctors' visits, the Make-A-Wish Foundation®
of Suffolk County, NY, Inc. was contacted. After careful thought, Jessica
decided that she wanted to record Spanish gospel songs for a CD in a real
studio as her very special wish! Since Jessica is a devoted fan of Spanish
gospel singer, Jaci Velasquez, she chose to sing a few of Jaci's songs.
Jessica was able to travel with her grandparents to a recording studio in
Nashville in June of 2003. She sang two of her favorites, "Vaya Con Dios" and
"Lo Que Nunca Cambiaria," which were accompanied by back-up singers and a
band. The moment Jessica started singing into the microphone, everyone in the
studio fell silent. It was as if her voice had grown wings and taken flight in
the room, as the sound was so angelic.
After recording her songs, Jessica's
studio time was far from over. The keyboardist asked Jessica who her favorite
singer was, to which she replied, without hesitation, "Jaci Velasquez." He
then asked, "Do you want to meet her?" Unbeknownst to Jessica (and
Make-A-Wish!), Jaci Velasquez was already in the studio and walked through the
door to greet her with open arms. Jaci spoke with Jessica one-on-one and met
her grandparents. While Jaci was in the studio, she listened to Jessica's
playbacks and commented on how good she sounded. Jessica was thrilled to have
this chance meeting with her musical idol.
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 Billy
Joel, the "Piano Man" Himself,
Makes A Musical Wish Come True!
Marissa, a vivacious 7 year old
from Centerport, would like to be an accomplished pianist someday. Her main
concern, however, was whether she should wish for a piano or three guinea pigs.
After careful deliberation, Marissa had decided to wish for a beautiful Yamaha upright piano. It was no surprise
that Marissa wanted to get started right away with her lessons. Marissa's wish
was a major milestone in that it was the 1000th wish completed by the Suffolk
County chapter! In addition, her wish was fulfilled during the chapter's 20th
anniversary year. The entire wish was sponsored by Billy Joel, who has been a
longtime supporter of the Make-A-Wish
Foundation®
of Suffolk County, NY, Inc. Through his
extreme kindness and generosity, Marissa was able to expand her musical
interests by receiving a gift that would grow along with her. |
Mark
and the Amazing Dolphins! Mark, age 5, from
Mastic is battling Long QT Syndrome with seizures. His wish was to swim with
the dolphins in Florida. During his very special experience, Mark was given
"dolphin therapy," which allowed him to be in the water with the dolphins
while touching and interacting with them. It was truly an amazing experience
for Mark and his family.
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Paul McCartney Brings Magic To A Special Child's Life!
Michael, a 14 year old
from Smithtown, has been battling neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that affects
the nervous system. Being an avid Beatles' fan, Michael naturally wanted to
meet his musical idol, Sir Paul McCartney, as his very special wish. Michael,
his mother Jeanne and his Aunt Marjorie, were whisked away by limo to Mr.
McCartney's penthouse. Mr. McCartney met with Michael for over a half an hour
and not only gave him gifts, such as a signed copy of his "Wingspan" CD, but
also signed Michael's own guitar. Michael even showed Mr. McCartney some of
the songs he had written, all of which impressed the former Beatle
tremendously. Jeanne perfectly described Michael's reaction to meeting his
hero during their limo ride back home, "Michael is just glowing...it's from
all the adrenaline!" |
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Ariel Visits The Magical World of Disney!
Ariel, age 9, who
resides in Medford, wished to go to one of the most magical places in the
world-Disney World in Orlando, Florida! Ariel, who has sickle cell anemia, got
the chance to meet many of the Disney characters and go on all of the amazing
rides within Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, MGM Studios and Universal
Studios. Her beautiful smile certainly shows how much of a great time she had on
her wish! |
