Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Kids Wish Network helps Wylie teen with swim with dolphins

By Pegasus News wire

WYLIE — Rock Knezek of Wylie, TX is an engaging and happy-go-lucky 17 year old with a big heart. This special kid can most often be found listening to music, talking on the phone or working on puzzles. Rock also loves to be outdoors and most enjoys swimming. In fact, he competes frequently in the Special Olympics. While in many ways, Rock is a typical teenager, there is something that makes him unique from his peers. Rock has spina bifida.

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs when the spinal column fails to close completely before birth. The condition has left Rock paralyzed from the knees down and wheelchair dependent. Rock also has only one kidney. He requires careful daily medical attention.

Kids Wish Network, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, learned about Rock after one of the charity’s professional fundraisers contacted the family. When Rock’s grandmother, Elaine Hampton, was asked if she knew of a child who might qualify for a wish, she told the caller about Rock.

Soon, Elaine received an application for her brave grandson and after completing the application process, was delighted to learn that Rock had been approved for a wish.

Elaine Hampton

Wylie teen Rock Knezek didn't let spina bifida keep him from swimming with dolphins in Florida, with help from the Kids Wish Network.

Rock was equally thrilled and knew just what he wanted to do: he wanted to swim with dolphins. His Kids Wish Network Wish Coordinator, Jill, got right to work. She arranged for Rock and his family to travel to Ft. Lauderdale, FL where Rock’s adventure would begin.

After arriving in sunny Florida with Elaine and his aunt, Debbie, Rock was ready to get out and start exploring. His first stop was to Theater of the Sea, a marine animal park in the area. Rock later enjoyed a panoramic view of the Florida Keys aboard the Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat. During the tour, Rock and the other passengers were treated to a breathtaking underwater view of the reefs, sea plumes and thousands of fish.

The highlight of Rock’s wish trip however, was of course, his day with the dolphins at Island Dolphin Care. “That was fantastic!” said Elaine. “Everyone three was so nice. The PT that worked with him said to me, ‘He is a fun kid!’ He is such a character.”

During his time in the water, Rock bonded with the dolphins, Bella and Fiji. Bella was his favorite though. “He can’t stop talking about Bella,” laughed Elaine.

Elaine said that the entire experience was one the family will never forget. “The trip was fabulous! He keeps talking about going back to see Bella. It was fantastic!”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Rock’s wish come true: Alabama Jack’s, Island Dolphin Care, Key Largo Grande Resort and Beach Club, Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat, Morada Bay Café, National Car Rental, Snapper’s Waterfront Restaurant and Theater by the Sea.

Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children. If you know a child between the ages of 3 and 18 who may be in need of its wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit their website at www.kidswishnetwork.org.

Source: Kids Wish Network

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