Criss Angel - Because of You, Wishes come true 2023

e s u a Bec u of YHoES WIS RUE T E M CO

2021

2023

From the entire Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada family,

THANK YOU

FOR CREATING JOY AND SPARKING HOPE FOR OUR KIDS.

Thank you for granting my wish! — Donovan, wish kid

I wish to have a tattoo Donovan, 18 lymphona

Dear Criss Angel and Family, Thank you for another year of incredible support, helping us to grant wishes for 174 wish kiddos here in Nevada this year. This was a record-breaking year for us! The highest we granted previously was in 2019 for 158 kiddos, but thanks to your continued support of our mission in so many ways, including your incredible generosity, not only did we have a record-breaking year this year, but we’re also looking at another recordbreaking year next year too. I hope you feel how much your generosity impacts children with critical illnesses and their families. On a personal note, you’ve impacted me, too, by your unwavering support of my ideas and goals for Make-AWish Southern Nevada. Thank you. Due to your incredible support this year, we went from granting 24 wishes funded by you last year to granting 59 this year! (That’s ten more wishes than you’ve granted for wish kids that wanted to meet you.) No one I know is a Wish Granter, a Wish Dad, and a Wish Expert like you (like when we had the tattoo wish this year, and I needed your help.) I’m humbled to know you, your team, and your family. Attending your birthday party last year, seeing all of you at Circus Couture last year, and looking forward to our future with you as our “Beacon of Hope” firstever recipient gives me continued hope for the future of our mission with all of you by our side. You continue to change lives, my friend, and I hope this recap, featuring the kids whose wishes you made come true, allows you to feel your impact from this past year. Our kids, our families, and our staff definitely felt your presence and generosity. On behalf of all of us, thank you for your continued commitment to bringing hope to the children of Southern Nevada and beyond! Wishfully Yours,

Scott Rosenzweig

Meet Our Wish Kids! (From the Cover)

I wish to go to the Walt Disney World® Resort

I wish to have a Superhero themed party

I wish to go to Disneyland®

I wish to have a shopping spree

Carter, 7

Makayla, 7

Sebastian, 7 leukemia

Semaj, 13

cancer

leukemia

I wish to meet Criss Angel

I wish to go to Hawaii

Cashel, 13

Angelina, 8

spinal muscular atrophy

congenital heart disease

blood disorder

I wish to have a wheelchair to meet my needs Andy, 5

nervous system disorder

MEET ANDY At the age of 5, Andy grappled with a nervous system disorder that shaped his every day. His family, steeped in love, did their utmost to provide comfort within their Spanish-speaking home. From birth, a diagnosis shadowed him, and his family, guided by faith, navigated the challenges with unwavering determination.

In the cocoon of their language, “En las manos de Dios” echoed, offering solace. Reliable transportation became a lifeline, facilitating therapy and medication routines to manage seizures and prevent harm. Home care, oxygen, and a wheelchair-bound existence defined Andy’s world. Nonverbal, he communicated through subtle cues, a language his family became adept at deciphering. The Make-A-Wish team, guided by Andy’s parents, envisioned relief—a specialized wheelchair. Washerfriendly, vibrational, and supportive of head and neck, it promised respite. Andy’s complex struggles remained hidden, but the gift of a custom wheelchair emerged as a tender offering, a small token to lighten the weight of their shared hardship.

Andy’s chair has improved his quality of life enormously and the family will forever be grateful!

May this chair bring endless smiles and comfy adventures. — Wish Coordinator

I wish to meet an astronaut Schyler, 12

cystic fibrosis

MEET SCHYLER Meet Schyler, a lively 12-year-old with a love for space that transcends the challenges of cystic fibrosis. Adorned in dresses and hairbows, she captivates with her friendly demeanor.

Schyler’s wish? Meeting an astronaut. Fueled by a video tour of the International Space Station, her casual interest turned into a full-blown hobby. Daily treatments don’t dampen her spirit; instead, they fuel her determination.

Schyler’s next aspiration? Becoming an astronaut herself. Fueled by newfound understanding, her dreams reach for the stars, embracing the wonders of the cosmos she so passionately explores.

Her wish came true when Schyler traveled to Kennedy Space Center in Florida where she met former NASA astronaut Winston E. Scott. Engaging in a simulated astronaut training at the Kennedy Space Center, Schyler discovered the hard work behind the dream.

Meeting Winston E. Scott was the highlight of Schyler’s wish, he was a celebrity in her eyes. She wants very much to be an astronaut — Schyler’s mom

I wish to go to the Great Wolf Lodge Echo, 9

Cystic Fibrosis

MEET ECHO Echo, a spirited 9-year-old boy, radiates boundless enthusiasm for life, especially when it comes to the great outdoors. On sunny summer days, you’ll find him joyfully splashing in the pool and careening down water slides, his laughter echoing through the air. When he’s not in the water, Echo can be spotted bouncing on his trampoline or zipping around on his trusty scooter. Beyond his love for outdoor adventures, Echo finds solace in video games and cherishes the moments spent with his cherished friends.

Echo’s vibrant and playful personality makes him not just a friend but a remarkable companion for every adventure that comes his way. But Echo’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. From the tender age of one month, he was burdened with the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. This condition demanded unwavering dedication as he diligently swallowed seven medications daily, harnessed the power of an air clearance vest to clear mucus from his lungs, and relied on a nebulizer to combat inflammation. When the time came to fulfill his most cherished wish, Echo knew precisely what he desired—a return to the enchanting Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca, California. This haven boasted a sprawling indoor waterpark with

exhilarating slides, including the heartpounding Rapid Racer. His family had taken him there in his younger years, and now, with newfound health and vigor, he was determined to relive those cherished memories. Their visit to the Great Wolf Lodge in December brought forth an extra layer of magic as the entire place was festooned with holiday cheer. Echo eagerly anticipated the Ropes Course, a thrilling adventure he had only seen online and on YouTube. It did not disappoint. Their days were filled with exhilarating moments at the indoor waterpark, laughter on the mini-golf course, spirited competition in the bowling alley, delight at the arcade, and exquisite meals at the lodge’s delectable restaurants.

Our adventure to the Great Wolf Lodge was more than just a trip, it was a testament to the love that binds our family together. — Echo’s mom

I wish to go visit the Tesla and SpaceX factory Gavin, 19

neuromuscular disorder

MEET GAVIN Described as “kind, considerate, and well-behaved,” Gavin shares many characteristics with other teenage boys. He is somewhat sociable, and he greatly enjoys playing video games and watching YouTube videos. However, he often watches these videos at the doctor’s office, and he finds himself sometimes playing those video games seated in a wheelchair. Gavin received the diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2016, and since then has undergone various treatments. He takes medications, participates in experimental treatment at UCLA, and he has undergone various surgeries. Gavin has fought to circumvent the difficulties imposed by this disease—one inspiring example is his continued pursuit of knowledge from home in his attempts to satiate his curious spirit.

Through these trying years Gavin has constantly pushed himself to keep growing and learning despite these difficulties and Make-A-Wish is teaming up with him to further those goals. Make-A-Wish is helping grant Gavin’s wish to visit Tesla and SpaceX factories! As someone interested in

space and technology, he is excited to see their factories, observe the manufacturing lines, and learn about the general development process. These visits will feed Gavin’s curiosity and inspire him to continue taking on his disease with tenacity.

Gavin left the Tesla and SpaceX factory fascinated and talks about his experience all the time! — Gavin’s dad

Your generosity helped grant wishes from

DISNEYLAND TRIPS TO DONOVAN GETTING HIS FIRST TATTOO!!! I wish to have a tattoo Donovan, 18 lymphoma

I wish to go to visit my family in Pennsylvania Camdem, 9 brain tumor

I wish to have a pool lift Leon, 5

nervous system disorder

I wish to go to Hawaii Pakara, 6 leukemia

I wish to have a sweet sixteen Tiffany, 16 cancer

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort® Brandi, 21 lymphoma

YOU ARE OUR FIRST Beacon of Hope AWARD RECIPIENT

Criss talks about Magic and The Magic of Making Wishes Come True Click to Play Video

On October 23rd, 2023, The Wishing Place made headlines by adopting a piece of Vegas History; the night was crowned by your presence to receive the inaugural Beacon Of Hope award to honor the lasting impact your generosity makes on the children who are battling critical illnesses. The night of Wish Upon A Neon Star, your words resonated like magic in the hearts of everyone present. Your heartfelt and meaningful remarks transcended the realm of illusion, weaving a tapestry of inspiration and hope. In those moments, you shared more than just words but a profound understanding of the power of wishes and the transformative impact they have on the lives of children facing adversity. Your eloquence and sincerity illuminated the stage, creating a connection that transcended the boundaries of a typical award ceremony. Your words became a guiding light, reinforcing the importance of compassion, resilience, and the incredible strength found within the human spirit. Amid celebration, your words stood out as a beacon of wisdom and empathy, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to be in attendance. It was a testament to your genuine commitment to the cause, a reflection of a man who not only performs astonishing feats on stage but also possesses a magic touch when it comes to uplifting the spirits of those in need. It’s only fitting that Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada honors you with our first-ever Beacon of Hope Award. Despite your humility, your acceptance symbolizes a shared commitment to making a positive impact, one wish at a time. Here’s to you, Criss Angel, not just as a master of illusion, but as our Beacon of Hope, casting a luminous glow that dispels darkness and brings forth the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

CRISS, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY were critical to Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada’s success in 2023.

BECAUSE OF YOU, 59 critically ill children in Southern Nevada received

A LIFE-CHANGING WISH

THANK YOU FOR BEING A LIGHT OF HOPE FOR OUR KIDS.

Because of You, These Wishes Came True in 2023! I wish to have a tattoo Donovan, 18 lymphoma

I wish to go to a Taylor Swift concert Sakura, 17 cancer

I wish to go on a staycation La’nyha, 5 nervous system disorder

I wish to have a PS5 Adrian, 10 leukemia

I wish to have a shopping spree Koby, 11 respiratory failure

I wish to have a shopping spree Semaj, 13 blood disorder

I wish to go to Great Wolf Lodge Echo, 9 cystic fibrosis

I wish to go to Disneyland® Sebastian, 7 leukemia

I wish to have LED Robots at my Quinceanera Mariana, 15 rare disease

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort®

I wish to have a superhero themed party

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort®

Makayla, 7 leukemia

Camila, 7 cancer

I wish to have my own digital animation drawing equipment

I wish to have a Sweet Sixteen

I wish to go to Alaska and see the Northern Lights

Tiffany, 16 cancer

Leonel, 18 congenital heart disease

I wish to go to Disneyland®

I wish to have a wheelchair specialized for my needs

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort®

Itzayana, 10 leukemia

Andy, 6 nervous system disorder

Austyn, 7 leukemia

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort®

I wish to have a pool lift

I wish to attend a Tony Robbins workshop

Athena, 12 cystic fibrosis

Melanie, 10 congenital heart disease

I wish to have a shopping spree Jordan, 18 lymphoma

Leon, 5 nervous system disorder

I wish to go to a beach house Aquanetta, 14 nervous system disorder

I wish to have a shopping spree

I wish to go visit my family in Pennsylvania

Donald, 17 respiratory disorder

Camden, 9 brain tumor

I wish to meet an astronaut

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort®

Schyler, 12 cystic fibrosis

I wish to go to Univeral Studios Orlando Jordan, 15 blood disorder

I wish to go to WrestleMania Ivan, 9 blood disorder

I wish to go to Disneyland®

Kail, 12 kidney disease

I wish to go on a family trip to San Diego

I wish to go to Hawaii Gabrielle, 8 congenital heart disease

Brielle, 20 autoimmune disorder

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort® Ryan, 13 leukemia

I wish to go to a beach house Kinglsey, 4 respiratory failure

I wish to go to Alaska for the Northern Lights Mikel, 17 lymphoma

I wish to go to Hawaii

Aralia, 6 nervous system disorder

Angelina, 8 congenital heart disease

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort®

I wish to go to Hawaii

Carter, 7 cancer

Addysen, 10 nervous system disorder

I wish to be a recording artist

Leonardo, 5 kidney disease

Jaydenn, 10 leukemia

I wish to go to Hawaii and see Jurrasic Park

I wish to have a shopping spree

I wish to go to a BlackPink concert

Lorenzo, 7 leukemia

Alyssa, 19 cancer

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort®

James, 20 cancer

I wish to go to Disneyland®

Jhenae, 9 blood disorder

I wish to go to Hawaii

Ulises, 17 brain tumor

I wish to have a Shopping Spree Melanie, 14 cancer

I wish to have a shopping spree Fergie, 14 cancer

I wish to go to Cars Land at Disneyland® Iker, 9 leukemia

I wish to have a shopping spree Vahan, 18 lymphoma

Maddox, 10 cystic fibrosis

I wish to tour the Tesla Factory Gavin, 20 neuromuscular disorder

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort® Brandi, 21 lymphoma

I wish to go to Universal Studios Orlando Barbara, 16 cancer

I wish to go to the Grand Opening of Super Mario World Gareth, 18 neuromuscular disorder

Destiny, 21 cancer

I wish to go to Hawaii

Pakara, 6 leukemia

I wish to go to St. Croix Kason, 19 cancer

I wish to go to Universal Studios to meet Spiderman

I wish to go to Hawaii

Jayson, 7 liver disorder

Emma, 15 congenital heart disease

I wish to go to Disneyland® Jason, 18 congenital heart disease

Make-A-Wish® Southern Nevada 9950 Covington Cross Drive Las Vegas, NV 89144

wish.org/snv

Transform lives, one wish at a time.