Kids Wish Network and Miley Cyrus Grant Wish to Ailing Boy with Spina Bifida

MARQUETTE HEIGHTS, Ill. – A boy suffering from spina bifida has his wish to meet his idol Miley Cyrus granted through national children’s charity Kids Wish Network and some outstanding sponsors.

Like plenty of kids his age, 13-year-old Daymon loves the show “Hannah Montana” and is a big fan of its star, Miley Cyrus. He has all of her CDs and movies and is definitely one of Miley’s biggest fans. Not only does he love her show, but he also adores her music and, unlike many other kids, can actually play some of it on the guitar and drums. Another factor that sets musically-inclined Daymon apart is the fact that he suffers from spina bifida.

By the time he was 7-months-old, Daymon had already undergone three surgeries for spina bifida. Children born with this condition suffer from different degrees of paralysis, ambulatory problems, loss of sensation and deformation of the hips, knees and feet. He has had 10 surgeries on his feet and had a rod placed in his back. He cannot walk or feel his feet, and relies on a wheelchair for movement. When Daymon turned 12, he endured a surgery to remove the rod in his back and put in a more permanent device. He may also have to have surgery on his hip in the future for his scoliosis, a condition that has curved his spine. In addition, Daymon also has hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull. To relieve pressure from the fluid buildup, doctors placed a shunt in Daymon’s skull.

Despite all that he’s gone through and continues to endure, Daymon remains a happy, friendly kid with a bright outlook whose love of music and Miley Cyrus help him persevere.

One day, Daymon’s great uncle received a phone call from a Kids Wish Network professional fundraiser. The caller asked if he knew of a child who suffered from a life-threatening illness and might need the joy a wish could provide; he told the caller about Daymon and soon the boy was telling a Kids Wish Network wish coordinator about his dream of meeting Miley Cyrus.

“That’s all he ever wanted,” said Daymon’s mother, Nancy.

Before he knew it, Daymon and his family were on a flight to New Orleans to meet up with the famous young actress and pop star while she filmed her latest movie, “So Undercover.”

According to Nancy, Daymon could not wait to hang out with Miley on the set: “He barely slept [the night before]!” Also, during a trip to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas prior to meeting Miley Cyrus, Daymon was enjoying his time seeing sharks and sting rays, but kept asking when he was going to meet Miley.

As their meeting with Miley was later in the evening, Daymon, his family and his wish coordinator spent some of the day at the aquarium and then headed over to the House of Blues New Orleans, where Daymon regaled the crowds with a riveting drum performance onstage with the song “Mustang Sally,” accompanied by the rest of the band, Mojeaux.

“He had a blast,” said Nancy of her son’s impromptu performance. “It was so much fun!”

As much as he enjoyed everything he did, Daymon’s favorite part of the wish was his meeting with Miley Cyrus. Also, before greeting the star during the official meeting time, Daymon and his mother ran into Miley in the hallway, where she greeted Daymon like an old friend, proclaiming, “I was looking for you!” They talked for a bit and then re-met a bit later, continuing their conversation.

“We talked about her show, her movies…everything,” said Daymon.

According to Nancy, Miley “sat down by him and talked to him like they knew each other! A lot of the time, Daymon gets a little shy around people, but not with her. She’s such a sweetheart and very patient with him. She was just so sweet to him.”

Daymon even brought his favorite star some gifts including a candy rose, some candles and a big pink teddy bear that Miley happily named “Pinky.”

“It was really awesome,” said Daymon.

For Nancy, her son’s wish was perfect: “I couldn’t have asked for a better time for Daymon. Seeing his face when he saw her…no money in the would could have bought that. I can’t thank you guys [at Kids Wish Network] enough for what you did for him. You guys are amazing for what you do for these kids.”

According to Daymon, “This was the best time of my life!”

C.W. Notes
Peoria , Illinois
Published: 1/25/11
Source:
http://thecommunityword.com/online/cwnotes/2011/01/25/kids-wish-network-and-miley-cyrus-grant-wish-to-ailing-boy-with-spina-bifida/

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114,912 kids helped this last fiscal year through our many programs and services.

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Kids Wish Network is an international charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experienced life-altering situations. Kids Wish Network assists children and their families through several key programs.