Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
A boy from Sevierville is back home after experiencing a New York City adventure with his family, courtesy of the Kids Wish Network.
Skyelar Effler loves everything about New York City, from the New York Yankees to Times Square. He hopes to be a fireman one day so Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses, sent him and his family to New York City to take in the sights and meet some of our nation’s finest firefighters. Skyelar suffers from Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome, a rare inherited congenital disorder that can cause craniofacial, skeletal, cardiac, and renal abnormalities. Skyelar suffered a level 2 brain bleed at birth due to his syndrome and has spent several weeks in the PICU. Skyelar also suffers from cerebral palsy and seizures.
Kids Wish Network flew Skyelar’s family to New York City where they stayed at the historic Roosevelt Hotel. “It was the fanciest hotel I have ever been in,” said Skyelar. During his first two days in The Big Apple, Skyelar and his family wandered the city and visited the Statue of Liberty, a major fire department, and the national September 11th Memorial. After exploring the city, it was time for Skyelar’s main event. He and his family went to Yankee Stadium where they received a private tour of the stadium and museum before heading to their seats for a Yankees game. They had seats right behind home plate, some of the best in the stadium.
The next day, Skyelar’s family was invited to the American Museum of Natural History for their special Night at the Museum sleepover event. However, an unexpected subway adventure during Manhattan’s major blackout changed the night’s plans. Instead, the family spent another relaxing night at the Roosevelt Hotel.
“We are so very grateful for all everyone has done, it was such a blessing and an amazing experience,” said Skyelar’s mom Heather.
“Skyelar had an amazing wish, getting to experience so many inspiring aspects of New York with his family,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai. Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides trip expenses, meals, accommodations and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs, and find out how you can help make dreams come true and sponsor a wish for a deserving child.
