Indianapolis, IN – An extraordinary Indianapolis teen experienced his ultimate dream come true thanks to Kids Wish Network, an organization in Florida that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. D.J., long a huge fan of The Neptunes, couldn’t believe it when he got to meet the renowned record-producing duo in person!
D.J. was born with severe factor VIII hemophilia, a serious bleeding disorder in which the clotting ability of the blood is impaired and can result in excessive bleeding. The most serious part of D.J.’s condition is bleeding internally into the muscles and joints, which causes pain and swelling and possibly permanent joint and muscle damage. D.J. experiences severe joint problems now, particularly in his knees and ankles. He also takes daily intravenous medications. For bleeding episodes, D.J. must have infusions of his missing clotting factor. He must be very careful every day to avoid any situations that can cause bleeding and cannot engage in the same kinds of physical activities as his friends.
D.J.’s exciting adventure to Los Angeles to meet his music idols began soon after an aunt referred his mother, Tracey, to Kids Wish Network. Tracey was hopeful that after everything her special son had been through in his young life that he would be eligible for a wish with the charity.
Tracey said that D.J. was a little anxious during the limousine ride from their hotel to the Regent Beverly Wilshire for the meet and greet with Chad and Pharrell.
“Before, he was really nervous, but afterwards he relaxed. They were both so nice!”
Tracey said that the duo had even skipped out on the pre-Grammy party to spend time with D.J.
“They said that this was more important to them and they didn’t mind missing the party!” D.J. was touched that the guys made that time for him. “They said it was worth it.”
During their visit, D.J. chatted with his idols about music and school, while joking around and posing for pictures. Tracey said that D.J., who has a keen interest in art, presented Chad and Pharrell with a drawing he had done of Jimi Hendrix.
“They loved it!” said Tracey. “They also told D.J. to keep it up in school and stay with it.”
Tracey said that the entire experience was one D.J. will never forget.
“I had a hard time leaving,” laughed D.J. He also couldn’t say enough about meeting Chad and Pharrell in person. “They were really groovy.”
Tracey echoed the sentiment. “It was such a wonderful time. D.J. just loved all of it!”
She said that the family was also immensely grateful to Kids Wish Network. “We are all so thankful!”
Kids Wish Network is an international charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experienced life-altering situations. Kids Wish Network assists children and their families through several key programs. Every child deserves a chance at happiness; a wish is a way of bringing them that joy. If you would like to sponsor a child’s wish or if you know a child who is suffering from a life-threatening illness and may be in need of Kids Wish Network’s wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit our website at link
D.J. was born with severe factor VIII hemophilia, a serious bleeding disorder in which the clotting ability of the blood is impaired and can result in excessive bleeding. The most serious part of D.J.’s condition is bleeding internally into the muscles and joints, which causes pain and swelling and possibly permanent joint and muscle damage. D.J. experiences severe joint problems now, particularly in his knees and ankles. He also takes daily intravenous medications. For bleeding episodes, D.J. must have infusions of his missing clotting factor. He must be very careful every day to avoid any situations that can cause bleeding and cannot engage in the same kinds of physical activities as his friends.
D.J.’s exciting adventure to Los Angeles to meet his music idols began soon after an aunt referred his mother, Tracey, to Kids Wish Network. Tracey was hopeful that after everything her special son had been through in his young life that he would be eligible for a wish with the charity.
Tracey said that D.J. was a little anxious during the limousine ride from their hotel to the Regent Beverly Wilshire for the meet and greet with Chad and Pharrell.
“Before, he was really nervous, but afterwards he relaxed. They were both so nice!”
Tracey said that the duo had even skipped out on the pre-Grammy party to spend time with D.J.
“They said that this was more important to them and they didn’t mind missing the party!” D.J. was touched that the guys made that time for him. “They said it was worth it.”
During their visit, D.J. chatted with his idols about music and school, while joking around and posing for pictures. Tracey said that D.J., who has a keen interest in art, presented Chad and Pharrell with a drawing he had done of Jimi Hendrix.
“They loved it!” said Tracey. “They also told D.J. to keep it up in school and stay with it.”
Tracey said that the entire experience was one D.J. will never forget.
“I had a hard time leaving,” laughed D.J. He also couldn’t say enough about meeting Chad and Pharrell in person. “They were really groovy.”
Tracey echoed the sentiment. “It was such a wonderful time. D.J. just loved all of it!”
She said that the family was also immensely grateful to Kids Wish Network. “We are all so thankful!”
Kids Wish Network is an international charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experienced life-altering situations. Kids Wish Network assists children and their families through several key programs. Every child deserves a chance at happiness; a wish is a way of bringing them that joy. If you would like to sponsor a child’s wish or if you know a child who is suffering from a life-threatening illness and may be in need of Kids Wish Network’s wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit our website at link