HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Oct. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — International children's charity, Kids Wish Network sent 13 year old Hannah, who suffers from a life-threatening illness, on an all-expenses paid trip to California to fulfill her lifelong dream of surfing. Kids Wish Network is a Florida-based organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experienced life-altering situations.
In 2008, Hannah was suddenly rushed to the emergency room and hospitalized for 5 days. She was diagnosed with the flu which caused an onset of severe Diabetes mellitus type 1, an auto immune disease in which the pancreas does not produce insulin. Only about 5% of people with diabetes have this form of disease. With insulin and other therapies Hannah copes with her illness but must wear an insulin pump and is taking part in a new medical trial for Diabetes.
For her wish, Kids Wish Network arranged an all-expense paid trip to California for Hannah and her family including a day of surfing with the Kula Nalu Surf Training Facility and tandem surfing with the legendary, Bobby Friedman. Hannah and her family also enjoyed an exciting day at Disneyland.
"Hannah was over the moon about surfing. Her favorite part was tandem surfing and catching her first wave; she felt like she was flying. We are so grateful for this experience and what Kids Wish Network did for us," said Brandy, Hannah's mother.
"With the support of partners like HK & Kathryn Keliioni of Kalu Nalu, we are able to make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of children every year," said Kids Wish Network Executive Director, Anna Lanzatella.
Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for making Hannah's trip so spectacular: HK & Kathryn Keliioni of Kula Nalu Surf Training Facility, Bobby Friedman, Don Bigelow, Jerry& Mary Jaramillo, Malia Ward, Vanina Walsh, Izzi Gomez, Disneyland, Shorebreak Hotel, Aquarium of the Pacific, Sky Zone Anaheim, Ruby's Diner, BJ's Restaurant, In-N-Out Burger,.
For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit www.kidswishnetwork.org.
For photos on Hannah's wish, visit www.kidswishnetwork.org/media or www.facebook.com/kidswishnetwork
Every child deserves a chance at happiness; a wish is a way of bringing them that joy. If you would like to sponsor a child's wish or if you know a child who is suffering from a life-threatening illness and may be in need of Kids Wish Network's wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004.