SmileyMileyRay
05-26-2008, 05:01 PM
Saturday, May 24, 2008
"Hannah Montana" dream realized through Make A Wish Foundation
Keyanna Zelez will get to live out her dream Sunday and take the stage as Hannah Montana.
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Zelez, a 14-year old from Lehigh Acres with Dandy-Walker Syndrome, will perform at Coconut Point's TGI Friday's as part of her wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Her performance is the highlight of a weekend of VIP treatment and the result of lots of planning and community support.
Connie Martin, senior special events coordinator for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida said most children ask for an item or a trip, but Zelez's wish required extra work.
"This one is completely different," she said.
And the response she has gotten from the community is "over the top."
TGI Friday's is hosting Zelez's concert as well as a nine-hour event Sunday, with proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Zelez went shopping at Macy's at Edison Mall and the store's MAC cosmetics counter will do her makeup.
She had photos taken at GlamourShots and she and her family will be spending the weekend at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa.
"It's really exciting," said Melissa Lanzilotta, human resources coordinator for the Hyatt. Lanzilotta has been organizing a weekend of star treatment for Zelez and her family.
"Anything she wants is what we're doing," she said.
That star treatment includes greeting her at the door - when she rolls up in a hot pink limousine - and a manicure in the hotel spa. They'll also have dinner in a private room of the hotel restaurant.
"It's a great opportunity," Lanzilotta said.
The Hyatt has a corporate relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as does Chi Omega, a sorority at Florida Gulf Coast University whose members will be at TGI Friday's to cheer for Zelez.
Zelez's mother, Aleth Ruiz-Zelez, said the family has been overwhelmed by the experience.
"They've blessed us with a lot of joy and happiness," she said.
Dandy-Walker Syndrome causes extra fluid to build up in the back of the brain. In Zelez's case, she has trouble speaking and walking without a walker.
But it doesn't diminish her love for pop music by Hannah Montana and the Cheetah Girls.
"She would stand in front of the mirror and perform by herself," Ruiz-Zelez said. "We're expecting to have a lot of fun."
"Hannah Montana" dream realized through Make A Wish Foundation
Keyanna Zelez will get to live out her dream Sunday and take the stage as Hannah Montana.
http://gcirm.news-press.gcion.com/RealMedia/.ads/adstream_lx.ads/fl-lehigh.news-press.com/news/article.htm/723294186/ArticleFlex_1/OasDefault/004128/DEALERG.html/31383234616537663437653638663430?_RM_EMPTY_
Zelez, a 14-year old from Lehigh Acres with Dandy-Walker Syndrome, will perform at Coconut Point's TGI Friday's as part of her wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Her performance is the highlight of a weekend of VIP treatment and the result of lots of planning and community support.
Connie Martin, senior special events coordinator for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida said most children ask for an item or a trip, but Zelez's wish required extra work.
"This one is completely different," she said.
And the response she has gotten from the community is "over the top."
TGI Friday's is hosting Zelez's concert as well as a nine-hour event Sunday, with proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Zelez went shopping at Macy's at Edison Mall and the store's MAC cosmetics counter will do her makeup.
She had photos taken at GlamourShots and she and her family will be spending the weekend at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa.
"It's really exciting," said Melissa Lanzilotta, human resources coordinator for the Hyatt. Lanzilotta has been organizing a weekend of star treatment for Zelez and her family.
"Anything she wants is what we're doing," she said.
That star treatment includes greeting her at the door - when she rolls up in a hot pink limousine - and a manicure in the hotel spa. They'll also have dinner in a private room of the hotel restaurant.
"It's a great opportunity," Lanzilotta said.
The Hyatt has a corporate relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as does Chi Omega, a sorority at Florida Gulf Coast University whose members will be at TGI Friday's to cheer for Zelez.
Zelez's mother, Aleth Ruiz-Zelez, said the family has been overwhelmed by the experience.
"They've blessed us with a lot of joy and happiness," she said.
Dandy-Walker Syndrome causes extra fluid to build up in the back of the brain. In Zelez's case, she has trouble speaking and walking without a walker.
But it doesn't diminish her love for pop music by Hannah Montana and the Cheetah Girls.
"She would stand in front of the mirror and perform by herself," Ruiz-Zelez said. "We're expecting to have a lot of fun."