Because of her illness, Genysis is limited in what she is able to do and, when she suffers through a pain crisis, she is often unable to do anything at all. However, even when she’s in extreme pain, there is nothing that lifts Genysis’ spirits more than listening to the music of her favorite singer, Beyoncé. So, when she was given the chance to wish for anything in the world, Genysis jumped at the chance and asked to meet Beyoncé in person.

You see, Genysis was born with a blood disorder called sickle cell anemia that causes her to suffer debilitating pain crises as well as an enlarged spleen. She also has tubes in her ears to help her hear and she has endured surgery to remove her tonsils and adenoids. In addition, Genysis’s immune system is low, leaving her vulnerable to all sorts of infections, so she must follow a strict daily medication regimen.

One day, Genysis’ grandmother, Viola, noticed a flyer in the doctor’s office about national charity Kids Wish Network and their mission to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. She decided to give them a call and see if Genysis could have a wish granted. Sure enough, after exchanging paperwork and phone calls, Genysis was approved to have a wish granted.

Genysis’ wish to meet Beyoncé was able to be granted through the generosity of Georgia Health Sciences University. Their Student Government Association’s Committee Chairperson, Aimee Hartle, coordinated the very first Kickball Tournament to fund Genysis’ wish and, as it was such a tremendous success, Aimee hopes it will become an annual event to help support charitable organizations.

Once the wish was funded, a Kids Wish Network wish coordinator arranged for Genysis to meet Beyoncé after attending her concert in Central Park in New York. In addition to the visit to the meeting, she also organized accommodations for Genysis and Viola at the Roosevelt Hotel, dinners every evening, a cruise to the Statue of Liberty and a visit to the American Museum of Natural History!

“We had a lot to do [on the wish],” said Viola. “Genysis really enjoyed it and all the people were very nice to us – like we were priority number one.”

Genysis, Viola and another Kids Wish Network wish kid named Naomi were driven to Beyoncé’s concert in a limo, which really excited the girls. When they arrived, they were practically jumping up and down! According to Genysis, the concert was amazing and, when it was over, Naomi and Genysis were invited backstage to meet Beyoncé, who warmly greeted the girls.

“Beyoncé’s a very sweet person,” said Viola. “The girls were so excited they were crying and she was just very sweet to them.”

Beyoncé also gave each girl a gift bag, signed autographs and posed for pictures with the starstruck teens.

“It was overwhelming,” said Viola. “Everything was great. The concert was awesome. Kids Wish Network really granted her [Genysis] a lot of wishes that I wasn’t able to give her. They were all granted at one time. I mean, she wanted to meet Beyoncé and one day she wanted to go on a plane and she did all that. I think that it is very special what you all [at Kids Wish Network] do. I can’t thank you enough.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Genysis’ wish extra special: Beyoncé, Georgia Health Sciences University, U.S. Limo, The Roosevelt Hotel, New York Marriott Marquis, Statue Cruises, American Museum of Natural History, Benihana, Hard Rock Cafe and AirTran Airways.

Kids Wish Network is a national 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 just 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 their website at www.kidswishnetwork.org