Wishes Can Happen participated in the Hall of Fame Community Parade last year. Our float was complete with wishing well, four beautiful little fairies surrounded by a flower garden (Carly Preston, Dorroh Smith, Mikayla Cope, and Elizabeth DiLauro), a bubble machine, and the song, “When You Wish Upon a Star” playing. All four girls had received Disney wishes from Wishes Can Happen. This was the first year Wishes Can Happen has participated in this parade, and a good time was had by all. Our float was designed and built by Wishes volunteers, Ashley and Ryan Semrau. Many donations from our community made this float possible – the beautiful Escalade pull vehicle from Loudon Motors, silk flowers from Seifert’s Flower Mill, signage from Action Signs (Greentown Art Gallery), and carpeting from Lowe’s.

Wishes had two other entries in the parade. One was an antique boat from Coney Island put onto wheels, pulled by a tugboat! This float was pulled by Madelyn Sweeney, Community Relations Director and Wish Coordinator. Tucker McAfee, recent wish recipient, and Jonathan Semrau (Madelyn’s grandson) were riders in this boat.

We also had wish recipient Lukie Rife decked out in army gear riding in an antique Army Weapon’s carrier.

TUCKER WITH TINKERBELL – June 2004. Tucker is 4 years old, and his wish was to visit Disney. Pictured with his younger brother, Hunter, and mom Sherry. [brain tumor]

Benjamin Takes Off At Disney – March 2004. Benjamin had the time of his life at Disney with brothers Noah and Jonah. (eosinophilic gastroenteritis)

Alexis loved Mickey & Minnie – December 2003. Pictured with brother, Adam, and parents Tim and Amy. [hypoplastic left heart]

“We can’t express our thanks enough. The whole experience was amazing. The treatment that we received was beyond anything we could ever imagine, nothing was left out. I know my family will have these memories for a life-time, and that’s what your organization is all about. We will never forget this wonderful wish.” - Tim & Amy

WILL'S WISH IS FOR BIG SCREEN TV - December 2003. Will loved to play video games, and Wishes gave him the biggest TV we could find to play them on! [cancer]

Mark filling his autograph book at Disney – December 2003. Mark (8 years old) pictured with his mom, Tyra. [eosinophilic colitis, Chron’s, osteporosis, epilepsy]

DYLAN AT DISNEY - May 2003. Dylan is 3 years old, and was born on Valentine's Day. There is an eternal smile for anyone watching. [hypoplastic left heart]