Caden’s Journey Back in Time on the Legendary Queen Mary
Long Beach, California – Caden’s birthday weekend kicked off at the Boat Yard, finding out that Kids Wish Network was flying him and his mom to California for a historical stay aboard the legendary Queen Mary! He also received a birthday gift - a Titanic building set to further spark his anticipation.
Caden’s passion for ships made his wish experience especially meaningful. Over the years, he spent much of his time learning all he could about the Queen Mary, and now he too was experiencing one of the most iconic ocean liners of the 20th century in all its grandeur. Caden said, “When I first got on, it felt like she was back in service returning to the U.K.” In that moment, he felt completely immersed in the ship’s legacy—stepping into the past and living the journey he had imagined.
Caden and his mom Sheyna were warmly welcomed and received VIP treatment throughout their stay. Their accommodations were beautiful, spending their nights in an Art Deco suite, adorned in vintage woodwork and 1930s artwork – imaginatively transporting them to another era. Their special treatment continued with front row seats at the Candlelight Concert held in the ship’s opulent ballroom, and their role as captains in the interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Show. Their most thrilling adventure was an after-hours private Paranormal Ship Walk tour - they even experienced their own mysterious encounters!
There were also emotional moments for his mom seeing Caden so happy. “We were walking, and heard a voice behind us say, ‘Is that our VIP guest Caden?’ And we turned around and it was actually the captain. He saluted Caden, and Caden saluted him back. It was such a heartfelt moment.” The captain and officer also took photos with Caden, and he felt so special wearing the original captain’s hat on display at the Queen Mary Archive Museum.
“It was so amazing getting to see him captivated by his dream ship, a ship that’s an idol to him,” said his mom. “I’ve never seen him so excited and not ready to come back home. He didn't want to leave the ship, he felt a strong attachment to it.”
During their trip, they additionally visited Universal Studios Hollywood, and enjoyed breakfast at The Breakfast Bar. They were also invited to have dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Caden’s wish was more than a trip - it became a memory woven with wonder and connection. Even after returning home, the magic of his stay continues to shine within him, and is a reminder that even his biggest dreams can find their way to shore.
His medical journey wasn’t so smooth sailing. After a sudden episode of severe back pain, he went into cardiac arrest and flatlined for over an hour before being revived. He was diagnosed with IBD, leading to the removal of his small intestine and the need for total parenteral nutrition through a chest line. He also experienced a heart attack and a lumbar stroke, and was hospitalized for months followed by intense physical therapy to help him walk again. He still manages chronic pain, and uses a wheelchair for longer distances.
Many Thanks
Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Caden without the help of the Queen Mary, Universal Hollywood, The Breakfast Bar, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope. Also much gratitude to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for their support as a wish sponsor.
Sponsors:
The Queen Mary:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thequeen.mary/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequeenmary/
The Breakfast Bar:
Website: http://www.thebreakfastbarlbc.com/
Facebook: http://www.thebreakfastbarlbc.com/img/Facebook_icon.svg.webp
Instagram: http://www.thebreakfastbarlbc.com/img/Instagram_icon.webp
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.:
Website: https://www.bubbagump.com/location/bubba-gump-long-beach-ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbubbagump/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bubbagumprestaurants/
Universal Studios Hollywood:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unistudios/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniversalStudiosHollywood