Hayes is surprised with a laptop from the Columbia Firefighters Association Local 793 A teen with a life–threatening illness gets the computer of his dreams with a little help from Kids Wish Network.

Hayes is a charming teenager with a knack for art and a passion for wrestling. There’s nothing he loves more than watching his favorite WWE Superstar, Triple H, take on a competitor or two in the ring. When he’s not enjoying a good wrestling match, Hayes can be found playing on his PS2 or watching “Spongebob Squarepants.”

Hayes has muscular dystrophy, which is the term for a group of progressive diseases that critically weaken the muscles. This condition has weakened Hayes’ muscles to the point where he cannot walk and is completely reliant on a wheelchair for mobility. He is also in and out of the hospital frequently for testing.

It was a Child Life Specialist at the hospital where Hayes goes for treatment who first referred the boy to children’s charity, Kids Wish Network. Once referred, it wasn’t long before Hayes was telling Wish Coordinator, Vanessa, all about his wish to have his very own laptop. With the help of Wish Funding Specialist Doris and an outstanding local sponsor, it was time for Hayes’s wish to come true before he even realized it.

Hayes knew he was getting a computer, but he was still surprised when it came. He was presented with his laptop by the generous members of the Columbia Firefighters Association Local 793, who also completely sponsored the teen’s wish.

Along with the laptop, he also received games to play on it, a beautiful case, a wireless router, and even a printer.

Since he got it, Hayes has enjoyed every minute. “He loves it,” says Hayes’s aunt, Alberta. “He loved everything!”

It’s definitely a dream come true for Hayes and that’s exactly what Vanessa and everyone at Kids Wish Network wanted for him.

For making Hayes’s wish extra special, Kids Wish Network would like to thank the Columbia Firefighters Association Local 793.

Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children. If you know a child between the ages of 3 and 18 who may be in need of its wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit their website at www.kidswishnetwork. org