Kids Wish Network and Ohio State Come Together to Make Dream Come True for Ohio Teen

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Nov 18, 2013, 08:30 ET

THORNVILLE, Ohio, Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- International children's charity Kids Wish Network today commended the Ohio State University basketball and football teams for helping make a lifelong dream come true for a Thornville teenager. Thirteen-year-old Ethan Heller, who suffers from a life altering illness, had the opportunity to meet Ohio State's basketball and football teams. Kids Wish Network is a Florida-based charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experienced life-altering situations.

"Nothing is more satisfying than being able to put a smile on the face of a child struggling with illness. With the generous support of partners like Ohio State, we are able to make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of children every year," said Anna Lanzatella, Executive Director of the Kids Wish Network.

Ethan was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was 12 years old. Ethan struggles to stay healthy and must continuously test his blood sugar ten and receives five insulin injections daily. When Ethan learned he was going to meet the Ohio State's basketball and football teams, he said, "I can't believe I get to meet my favorite college teams, they are the best!"

"Surprisingly, Ethan wasn't at all nervous to meet the players; he was extremely thrilled and upbeat. He is very thankful to Kids Wish Network and Ohio State. This wish was such an elating experience for our family," said Lesli Heller, Ethan's mom.

For Ethan's wish, Kids Wish Network arranged an all expenses paid trip to Columbus, for Ethan to meet the Ohio State teams. During his wish Ethan spoke with Ohio State's basketball player Aaron Craft and his dream to play as well as him someday, Aaron told Ethan to "enjoy his youth." Ethan also received numerous gifts from both teams along with autographs, t-shirts and the player's gloves.

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for making Ethan's ultimate wish come true: Ohio State University, The Buckeye Hall of Fame Grill, Hyatt Place Columbus OSU, Donato's Pizza and Xtreme Limo.

For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit www.kidswishnetwork.org or www.facebook.com/kidswishnetwork

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.

Contact:
Julia Shelly
(727) 937-3600