99 Wishes and Counting

Holden: One ELLE of an Orlando Adventure  

Holden, a 6 year-old from North Chesterfield, VA, wanted to go to Give Kids the World, Disney & Universal with his mom, dad & older sister Piper. 

This October, Holden and his parents and sister travelled to Orlando and enjoyed everything at Give Kids the World, Gatorland, Universal Islands of Adventure and all the wonders of Disney. 

ELLE received these wonderful thank you notes from Holden’s family:   

Excerpts from Holden’s Mom:

The actual week we were at Give Kids the World was so amazing. Seeing the village and all of the care that went into every detail to make it all about the kids is truly unbelievable - knowing all the volunteers that are donating their time to give back to these children. One of the best things about this week was being able to say "yes" to so many things. At the village everything is included so slushies, nachos, and popcorn at the pool at 8:30 pm was an easy "yes" and rushing back to the village after a theme park for a scoop of ice cream was an easy "yes." But we also had the funds from Elle that allowed us to say "yes" to special experiences at Gatorland like feeding large alligators and capybaras. We said "yes" to every treat the kids wanted, presents and toys the kids liked, and even to special items to help us be entertained and comfortable on the travel day there. We were also able to use the funds to "prepare" for the Florida rain - as much as you can... We said "yes" to every ride, every character meet and greet, every pony ride at the village and it made our week as fun as we could. 

I believe in the mission of your organization and I will be forever grateful for the week we had. The chance we had to celebrate the end of the hardest year of our lives. The hope this trip gave us throughout some of our hardest days.

Excerpts from Holden’s Dad:

The last year has been very difficult for us as Holden underwent treatment for relapse AML, but the trip to Disney is what we needed to reset as a family. We talked about the upcoming trip during the hard days in the hospital and it was something for Holden to focus on as he fought through treatment. Elle’s attention to detail planning the trip allowed us as parents to relax and let our guard down for a week, and that’s not something you get to do often.

Excerpts from Piper, Holden’s sister:

I loved when we went to Gatorland and I got to meet, pet, and feed a capybara. Also, I got chosen by the wand maker at Ollivanders in Universal! It made me feel amazing. And I LOVED when I got unlimited slushies, nachos and ice cream!

Holden's favorite memories from the trip:

1. My favorite part about Gatorland is I got to see alligators and feed them with fish.

2. My favorite roller coaster was Expedition Everest, it was really cool.

3. I got to eat a Dole Whip and it is my favorite dessert. 

This trip made me feel very very happy because I love Disney and it is my favorite place. It felt special because we don't get to go often and we didn't get to travel when I was sick.

Thank you Elle Foundation - Holden

Gabe: One ELLE of a MacBook Pro and AirPods   

Gabe, an 18-year-old from St. Peter, MN underwent a heart transplant in 2023 and was beginning to rebuild his strength and was looking ahead to college. But this summer, his plans to work extra hours to save for a MacBook Pro were interrupted when he was diagnosed with transplant related cancer, and treatments once again became his reality.

ELLE granted his wish for a MacBook Pro and AirPods this October.

Gabe's mom posted this note to her followers about ELLE (excerpts):

Life has been flying by; but in some of the best ways. Gabe stopped by last week to do laundry and three times…I heard him say, “life is so great”. My heart grew inside of me hearing this statement.

We also want to thank the ELLE Foundation Inc, for the incredible wish grant. As a part of Elle’s legacy, this foundation was created for kids who’ve experienced a Cancer relapse, they can make a wish through this foundation. Gabe received a MacBook to help him through college. 

If you are looking for a way to give back. Look no further. This foundation gives to kids and their families who are in a world of relapse.

ELLE received this wonderful thank you note from Gabe:

“I want to sincerely thank you for giving me a wish of a laptop for my future school work, this will now be able to keep me organized and complete them efficiently. The effort and passion from your foundation is truly inspiring to me to help pay it forward and make a difference in this world.

Thank you again for everything, this is such a blessing.”

 Keaton - One ELLE of a Zion National Park & Antelope Canyon Family Adventure 

Keaton, a 13 year-old from Brazil, Indiana, wanted to explore Utah with his family and experience nature's beauty at Zion National Park and Antelope Canyon. 

A fabulous family time, documented by the many photos that avid photographer Keaton took, was had by the whole family.

Adventures included a stay at the Zion Mountain Buffalo Ranch, a hike in the Zion Narrows, complete with wetsuits (on Keaton’s must-do list), and a guided tour of Antelope Canyon. The trip ended with a stay at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel!

His family sent this lovely note to ELLE:

"We wanted to say thank you to the ELLE Foundation for granting Keaton's wish to go to Zion National Park and Antelope Canyon! The trip came together quickly and in perfect timing! Keaton had scans the week we got back and that trip allowed us to forget about all things cancer for a week and just enjoy quality time together with family. It was amazing!! We still can't believe it honestly! It was like a dream come true for Keaton and our entire family! This blessing was much needed!"

From Keaton:

Thank you for granting my wish to go to Zion National Park and Antelope Canyon. I have wanted to go there for a long time and you made that possible! I got to hike the Narrows which was one of the main things on my list while there. Antelope Canyon was crazy and more than I expected. Our last night in Vegas we stayed in a cool hotel and I got to see the lights at night. My big brother got to go which made it even more fun! Thank You!!