Posted: 3/24/06
JoLynn Superís wish came true when Kids Wish Network delivered a hot tub to her Blaine home
by Sue Austreng
Life editor
Little JoLynn Superís shining spirit and radiant smile seems to defy the paralysis she endures as a result of spina bifida.
The 10-year-old was born with the disabling condition and is confined to a wheelchair, but nothing can stifle her girlish giggle and her love of life.
JoLynn diligently works during daily physical therapy sessions and is learning to walk with braces. Time spent in the water is one activity that is especially beneficial for her condition.
Now, thanks to Kids Wish Network, JoLynn will have a hot tub right in her own backyard.
Kids Wish Network, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening conditions, enlisted professional fund-raisers to make JoLynnís wish come true when they delivered a hot tub .
JoLynnís special gift began soon after her mother, Jodi, learned about Kids Wish Network after she was contacted by Kids Wish fund-raiser.
When asked if she knew a child who might qualify for a wish, Jodi immediately thought of JoLynn.
JoLynn was born with spina bifida, which occurs when the spinal column fails to close completely before birth and results in spinal cord nerve damage.
JoLynn also has hydrocephalus, or ìwater on the brain,î and has had to have a shunt surgically implanted to drain the fluid away from her brain.
Even after hours, weeks, months of physical therapy, JoLynn will likely need spinal surgery this summer.
But in the meantime, she can find some relief from her discomfort while relaxing in her new hot tub.
JoLynn was thrilled when her wish arrived, said Kids Wish coordinator Kim Tanveer, who made phone calls and was able to find ìsome extremely generous folks who were eager to help with JoLynnís wish,î she said.
Some of those generous folks were members of the Blaine Lions Club, who donated time and energy to help make JoLynnís wish come true.
Whitehouse Direct showed its generosity by discounting the cost of the hot tub.
Jodi said JoLynn has always loved being in hot tubs.
ìWhenever we go to a friendís house with one, she always has to bring her suit,î Jodi said.
JoLynn has wanted one for a very long time, she said.
ìItís great for her,î Jodi said.
JoLynnís excitement is obvious as she busily makes plans for her big hot tub party.
ìWe wonít be able to get to use it until spring because it is freezing here and we didnít get the deck built in time. Thatís all right though. I guess I can wait!î JoLynn said shortly before the hot tub was delivered last month.
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 with life-threatening illnesses.
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