James Age 8 Portland, Maine James wishes to go to Sea World!

Listen to an interview with James' Dad.

James loves the water and was able to continue swimming through his treatments for medulloblastoma (brain cancer). His wish granters surprised him during one of his lessons by floating a giant inflatable dolphin who carried a special message down the pool. The dolphin delivered the message that James' wish to go to Sea World would be granted. James' goggles were so steamed up that he couldn't read the message and his swim team buddies relayed the info to him. After that, he and his younger brother, Jack, were all smiles as they began the wish journey.

For his wish party, James and his classmates at school were joined by Mr. and Mrs. Fish who told the kids all about life under the sea.

During his wish, James created special memories that will last a lifetime.

The trip started with jetBlue boarding them first and the pilots sharing a chance to sit in their cockpit seats to both James and his brother, Jack. When they arrived at Give Kids The World (where they stayed during their trip), they were given royal treatment and toys galore. In fact, James’ mom said they hadn’t even unpacked the car yet and they already needed more suitcases!

At SeaWorld, the boys met with Tim Delaney who is the stingray caretaker and Peggy Parrish, Director of Community Relations. They were given a backstage tour, where they fed the stingrays, were given stingray and shark teeth, and got to pet and feed sharks and dolphins. At one point during the tour, they laughed at seeing flamingos being taken for a walk around the parking lot! After the tour, they enjoyed a delicious lunch at Sharks Underwater Grill.

The boys received Jedi Training at Hollywood Studios, got magic wands at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, and loved visiting the Lego store at downtown Disney.

Thank you: Wish Granters Linda Jackson-Phillps and Kim Kruger, Coleco Family Pool & Spa Center, Shaw’s -Westgate, Shaws-Northgate, Mattel Children’s Foundation/Mattel, Inc, Treehouse Toys, Sam’s Club - Scarborough, Mr. and Mrs. Fish, Rainbow Toys, Kahuna Laguna, Domino’s Pizza-Portland, Red Jacket Mountain View Resort, Michael’s Limousine, Believe in Books, Avis, Give Kids The World