Children’s charity Kids Wish Network (KWN) recently partnered with Major League Baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals, to grant a once in a lifetime experience for a boy from Sapulpa with a life-threatening diagnosis.
Kids Wish Network arranged for Wish Kid Colton Anglin and his family to travel to St. Louis, Missouri, and spend a day with the St. Louis Cardinal organization, Colton’s all-time favorite team. Colton and his family enjoyed complimentary accommodations and breakfast at the Mongolia St. Louis, then had lunch at the Budweiser Brewhouse before heading to Busch Stadium to meet with the St. Louis Cardinals.
When Colton arrived he was taken on tours of Busch Stadium, the Cardinals Fan Nation, and the Hall of Fame.
During the fourth inning of the game, Colton was taken to the broadcast booth to meet Cardinal broadcaster Al Hrabosky where Colton saw what it takes to announce a game, something he hopes to do as a career. Colton also received a signed jersey from Cardinal great, Kolten Wong.
As a young boy, Colton had instances when he felt like he was having a heart attack. These painful episodes continued for a year until Colton was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a chronic disease of the heart muscle, and ventricular tachycardia, a type of heart rhythm disorder. Despite his circumstances, he doesn’t let his life-threatening condition get him down.
Colton explained that even after all the amazing things he was able to experience during his wish with the St. Louis Cardinals, the most meaningful to him was being in the broadcast booth with Cardinal Broadcaster, Al Hrabosky. During his time in the booth, Colton was truly inspired to work hard and achieve his dream of one day becoming a sports broadcaster. “It showed me all that I need to do to reach my goal,” Colton explained.
“It means so much for our Wish Kids and their families to get ‘a break’ from their illness by granting them a wish,” said Anna Lanzatella, executive director for the children’s charity. “We are so pleased to work with organizations like the St. Louis Cardinals who give freely of their time to make such an impact in a sick child’s life.”
“It means so much for our Wish Kids and their families to get ‘a break’ from their illness by granting them a wish.”
—Anna Lanzatella, Executive Director, Kids Wish Network
On behalf of Colton and his family, Kids Wish Network would like to thank Al Hrabosky and the entire St. Louis Cardinal Organization, the Magnolia Hotel St. Louis, and the Budweiser Brewhouse for helping make Colton’s day so memorable. Other amazing sponsors for Colton’s wish include: Mastermind Room Escape, Sugarfire, Lucas Park Grille, and Baileys’ Range.
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. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn more and find out how you can help makes dreams come true and sponsor a wish for a deserving child.
Featured Image: Colton Anglin in the Broadcaster Booth with Al Hrabosky.
