GIVING BACK: Grand Hyatt DFW Assisting with Wishes

We had the opportunity recently to work with two great organizations that grant wishes to children with life-threatening diseases.

Due to our hotel's location inside Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport, it provides easy access for the families coming and going from their trips. 





Photo Credit: awishwithwings.org

 a Wish with Wings has worked specifically with children from Texas since 1982.  They contacted us for accommodations for Jeramy and his family prior to his Wish Trip to Hawaii to visit Pearl Harbor.  A little bit about Jeramy, courtesy of a Wish with Wings:


photo credit: awishwithwings.org

"We received a Wish request from a very special 18 year-old boy named Jeramy who is being treated at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. When we met with Jeramy to learn what his one special Wish would be, he shared he would like to go to Hawaii to see Pearl Harbor. He is a big history buff and really into anything military. His dad is a retired military man. Unfortunately, due to Jeramy’s medical condition he is not able to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the military.

 

photo credit: awishwithwings.org

In December 2009, at the age of 17, JeramyJeramy started chemotherapy treatments that month.  In March 2010, he underwent a stem cell transplant.  His dad, retired Navy veteran, Pat, was his donor.  In May 2010, Jeramy was able to go back home just long enough to attend his Elton High School graduation where he graduated with honors."

**Update: We received a thank you note from a Wish with Wings and a few pictures of Jeramy and his family prior to their flight to Hawaii.  See it on our Feeback page.**


"Part of the magic of a Wish for a child who is facing an uncertain future is to show them that anything is possible if you only believe, even beating your disease. If you would like to learn more about our agency and the children we serve, please do not hesitate to call our office at 817-469-9474 or visit our website at: www.awishwithwings.org."




Photo Credit: KidsWishNetwork.org

 Since 1997, Kids Wish Network has been making dreams come true for thousands of children all over the country. The charity started out with the single purpose of granting wishes to children suffering with life-threatening conditions.

A similar request for accommodations for the beginning and end of a Wish Trip was received from Kids Wish Network.  This one is for Spencer, a 12-year old, from Oklahoma.  Here is a little bit about Spencer, courtesy of Kids Wish Network:



Photo Credit: Kids Wish Network

 "Spencer is a bright 12-year-old who loves to smile. He’s talkative and friendly with a wonderful attitude. Spencer enjoys playing guitar and piano, and he’s also quite good at math. When he’s not playing games on his game systems or computers, Spencer likes to watch baseball, basketball or golf on TV.

In 2008, Spencer was diagnosed with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which is a disease of the vascular tissues that causes his blood vessels and his organs to become more prone to tearing. In addition, Spencer also suffers from Bilateral Hip Dysplasia and has suffered through reconstructive hip surgery for this condition. After the surgery, Spencer was in a full body cast for 6 weeks and had to endure yet another surgery to remove the rods, screws and plates in his femurs. Spencer bruises very easily because of his condition, he must visit his doctors frequently and will most likely have to have his hips replaced in the future.

For his wish, Spencer just wants to relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life by taking a cruise. Get out your sunscreen, Spencer, because you’re about to hop on board!"

**Update: Here is a story about Spencer's experience. So glad that he and his family had such a wonderful trip.**

"Kids Wish Network is a 501 C 3 non-profit organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children between the ages of 3 and 18 who are living with life threatening illnesses.  It is our mission to fulfill the last wishes of children who will never have the opportunities that most of us take for granted.  We rely on the compassion of people such as you to make their dreams come true.  The more in-kind donations we receive, the more wishes we can grant.  You hold in your hands the opportunity to make a big difference in this child’s life."

Hats off to all those families that endure similar situations. We applaud your courage, drive and love for your children.

Donating a hotel room for the night is the least we can do.  It's always a pleasure to be able to meet these families too.  We hope you both enjoyed your Wish Trips!! 

Best wishes always,

GIVING BACK: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

On October 16, 2010, I will join thousands of others playing a part in the annual Komen Dallas Race for the Cure^®. It’s a 5k run/walk event to raise money for breast cancer.

As you know, the month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Last month we did a Bake Sale for Breast Cancer Awareness and raised over $800 for the Dallas County affiliate of Susan G. Komen!  

It was such a hit with our associates that we will be doing the bake sale again on October 1; hoping to surpass last year's donation.  But for the first time, this year we are also raising money via donations for our Race team, made up of the Grand Hyatt DFW's Diversity Council members.   

Our goal is to raise $1,000.00.  As of today, we are at 25% of our goal, and there are 22 days until the race.  

If you would like to join our team or make a donation, please visit our donation page. Click on any of the team member's names to make your donation (not that it's a contest or anything...but you can click on my page).  ;)

Racing for the cure,

New Look: Grand Hyatt DFW's Blog Update

Hi, friends.

Just a quick note to let you know we've updated the layout of our blog page.  Pretty basic stuff, I know.  But I just wanted to get your opinion!

We've added tabs for quick reference and hope they will aide in making the navigation of our blog easier.  We also welcome content feedback; let us know what you want to read about! 

Thanks in advance for providing your feedback!  You can also email me at informationdfwgh@hyatt.com.

Happy Travels!