A Wand, a Wish Reveal, and a LEGO-Filled Getaway for Liam

Lifetime Wish

Jan 20

WINTER HAVEN, Florida – Wish Kid Liam was in all his glory as the guest of honor at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord’s enchanting holiday tree lighting ceremony. His family and friends were there to share in his joy, and the momentum of excitement grew with the crowd’s countdown reaching three… two… one!

Right on cue, Liam activated his special wand, wondrously lighting up the Christmas tree. And then something else magical happened: staff announced that Kids Wish Network was making his dream come true, sending his family to LEGOLAND Florida. Liam stood in awe as the room echoed with applause and cheers. It was an amazing feeling knowing his wish was really happening, and he couldn’t wait to go.

Liam and his mom boarded their plane with great anticipation of their LEGOLAND adventure. When they arrived for their stay at LEGOLAND Hotel Florida, it looked like a larger-than-life LEGO set. Liam loved their kingdom-themed room, especially having his own kid zone with bunk beds, LEGOs to play with, and a treasure chest with a surprise inside. He was also a big fan of the disco elevators.

“We would have a dance party in the elevator every time we got on,” said Liam’s mom Staci.

And there was even more vibrant fun just steps away at LEGOLAND.

“We literally walked out of the hotel and into the park we went,” said his mom.

There was so much to explore, and Liam also found out he loves roller coasters, riding his favorite three times in a row. He joyfully shared, “I even got mommy on the roller coaster.” They also enjoyed the attractions, interactive life-size brick sculptures, and meeting LEGO characters.

Another highlight was getting to do Minifigure Trading with staff, something Liam was really excited about. He was even gifted a Minifigure that he really wanted. Kindness was everywhere. Liam’s mom said, “He’s already asking if he can go back for his birthday which is only a couple months away.”

His wish was all about him in every way, including dinners at Chili’s and Domino’s Pizza, his all-time favorite places to eat. Staff at the restaurants continued to celebrate Liam and make him feel special.

“My favorite part was seeing how excited he got about everything,” said his mom. “Thank you so much, the whole experience was amazing and just perfect.”

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord is also providing Liam and his mom with annual passes so they can continue to enjoy the wonders of the aquarium throughout the year.

The wish meant so much to Liam and his mom after all he’s been through battling cancer. His retinoblastoma began with subtle symptoms, and within months quickly escalated with the pupil of his eye turning white, eye pain, and the cancer completely overtaking his eye. It led to the very difficult decision to remove his affected eye, along with six rounds of chemotherapy to ensure the cancer was eliminated. He continues to have scans to monitor his health.

Many Thanks

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Liam without the help of Merlin’s Magic Wand (LEGOLAND admission), SEALIFE Charlotte-Concorde (admission for all of Liam’s family and friends celebrating his reveal), LEGOLAND Hotel Florida for offering Kids Wish Network a discounted rate, Chili’s and Domino’s Pizza for providing his family’s dinners, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.

Wish Sponsors:

Merlin’s Magic Wand

Website: https://www.merlinsmagicwand.org/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/merlinsmagicwandofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMWCharity

Sea Life Charlotte-Concord

Website: https://www.visitsealife.com/charlotte-concord/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SEALIFECharlotteConcord/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sealife_charlotteconcord

Chili’s Bar and Grill

Website: https://www.chilis.com/locations/us/florida/winter-haven/winter-haven?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=Chilis

IG: instagram.com/chilis/