Make a Difference in the Life of a Child Battling a Recurrence of Cancer
Ivette: One ELLE of an Apple Shopping Experience
Cullen: One ELLE of a Deep Sea Fishing Trip
Cullen, a 13 year old from New Brighton, MN, wished for a deep sea fishing trip with his family.
This post from his dad describes all the fun and wonderful memories - and fish dinners! - had by Cullen and his family.
"We are back to reality unfortunately! We can’t say thank you to the ELLE Foundation Inc enough for this gift. It was more than just a fishing trip, it was the gift of TIME together that we’ll never ever forget. We made memories and had experiences that will transcend whatever life does or doesn’t have in store for us next. Cullen was able to be a kid and do what he loves the most...fishing! Cancer takes away from the whole family and the siblings of cancer kids have to grow up way too fast and it was so comforting to see Ella, Mason and Lily chase iguanas and get excited to see wild manatees, rays, sharks and whatever else happened to swim by in the canal behind our villa and be kids themselves again. We missed Mateo for sure! Cullen said this was the "best trip of his life and that nothing could EVER top this." We are so grateful to Laurie and everyone at the ELLE Foundation Inc."
Andrew: One ELLE of an Orlando Ride-All-The-Rides Adventure
The following post from Andrew's mother says it all!
"The Elle Foundation made Andrew’s wish come true! Andrew and our family spent the first week of spring break “Riding all of the rides in Orlando!”. Laurie was amazing in the planning as Andrew actually had to have his wish cancelled back in December of 2021 when his cancer returned for a third time. Dr. Goebel and Katlyn NP were dedicated with us and Elle Foundation to get him to Disney/Universal. It was so important for our sweet boy to experience everything as he’s been stuck inside battling cancer and staying away from germs. This trip and all of the details were planned out, every single thing! We didn’t wait in line for longer than 2 minutes which was incredibly important when you have a child who can’t tolerate being up and moving well!
A few of his favorite moments included riding all of the scary fast rides (they were crazy for me to ride!), meeting Buzz Lightyear and walking him back to Star Command, seeing Mickey Mouse again, meeting Woody and Jesse, comparing fists with Wolverine, talking with Spider-Man and talking some pictures, and designing and driving his own car! He also was talked to during the Talk Time with Crush in the Finding Nemo exhibit in Epcot. They truly made his experiences special especially walking him straight up to each ride with no wait.
Kimberly: One ELLE of an iPhone 14 Mac Pro and iPad
Kimberly, a 10 year old from Iowa City, IA, wished for a new purple iPhone 14 Mac Pro and iPad, as she noted in her thank you to ELLE:
"Thank you for grating my wish of getting an iPhone and iPad. I have been wanting a new phone for a very long time. I chose this iPhone because O wanted a phone that did work and didn't act up. I want to thank you for granting my wish. I am going to play lots of games and entertain myself.
Thank you so much.
Her mom sent along many happy photos of Kimberly with her new tech, as well as this note which warmed our hearts at ELLE:
"Thank you for considering her for a wish and giving her a time of happiness. Thanks to your family and to your daughter for having a kind heart. I can see from her poems she was a great person. Those poems were so strong, so profound. Each poem says so much and each one.