Marcus couldn't contain his excitement to shop for a new swimsuit in November.
Kevin has watched every Walt Disney movie he can get his hands on the past month.
Meanwhile, Haley, packed her suitcase weeks ago to full capacity for the vacation of a lifetime.
All three Cincinnati-area kids are fulfilling a life-long dream because the Cincinnati Bengals and The Hillman Group teamed with Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana to grant Haley, Marcus and Kevin's wishes to travel to Hawaii, go on Disney Cruise Line ® and Walt Disney World® Resort.
The wishes call came together after the Bengals and The Hillman Group held 'Wash for Wishes' a car wash fundraiser in late August with all the proceeds benefitting Make-A-Wish. Bengals Legends Bob Trumpy & Jim Breech, Ben-Gals, Who Dey and associates from the three organizations were onsite to support the cause.
Almost $6,000 was raised from the event to send Marcus, Kevin and Haley on their dream trips. The wish experience provides wish kids with something to look forward to. Through all of the challenges they have to overcome, their wish provides hope, strength and joy to them and their families.
"They are remarkable families whose lives will be positively impacted through this experience," said Amy Merritt, Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana Senior Director Development Southern Ohio. "Seeing people come together, put in the time and share themselves is amazing. We wouldn't be able to do our work without our community supporters."
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. They are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life, because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. There are currently over 250 children in southern Ohio who are awaiting their wish.
Despite his battle with a hematologic disorder, Marcus continues to be an energetic and intelligent 8-year-old who loves going to school. His heartfelt wish is to go on Disney Cruise Line to have the trip of a lifetime where he and his family can forget about the daily struggles with his condition.
Haley suffers from cystic fibrosis, a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. The condition does not stop her from running, creating artwork and spending quality time with her family. When Haley was referred to Make-A-Wish, she wanted her family to join her for an exciting vacation, a trip to Hawaii.
Despite his battle with a kidney disease called end-stage kidney disease, Kevin does not let anything stop him from playing with his friends and spending quality time with his family. When Kevin was referred to Make-A-Wish, he wanted his family to join him for a trip to Walt Disney World Resort.
Thanks to the Bengals, Hillman Group and Make-A-Wish all three of these families can enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
Congratulations to the families from The Hillman Group and the Cincinnati Bengals.
