Kids Wish Network & Tyra Banks Grant Dream Wish to Teen with Cerebral Palsy

Many teenage girls long to be a gorgeous model, and 19-year-old Molly McGovern is no different. But her heartfelt desire to experience the height of beauty and fashion took a dream-come-true turn when the international children's charity Kids Wish Network and celebrity model and actress Tyra Banks provided a trip for Molly to the set of American's Next Top Model.

"It is through the generous support of donors and partners like Tyra Banks that we are able to grant the wishes of thousands of children each year," said Anna Lanzatella, Executive Director of Kids Wish Network. "Their kind generosity is humbling and we cannot thank them enough." Kids Wish Network is a Florida-based charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experienced life-altering situations.

Molly, 19, was born with cerebral palsy and is quadriplegic. She's endured a number of surgeries over the years, as well as experimental and non-traditional therapies, including nine years of biomechanical rehabilitation in Canada. Despite the treatments and therapies, Molly is completely reliant on a wheelchair for mobility and the aid of her service dog, Simon.

Molly's dream is to rise above her condition and become a fashion model, so when she was given the opportunity to have a wish granted through Kids Wish Network, she asked to meet her hero and inspiration, Tyra Banks.

For the wish, Kids Wish Network arranged an all expenses paid trip for Molly and her family to Los Angeles. In addition to meeting Tyra Banks, Kids Wish Network also set up other activities for Molly to enjoy, including limousine rides, a visit to Madame Tussauds wax museum, and a trip down the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

To prepare for her meeting with Tyra Banks, Kids Wish Network arranged for Molly to be pampered with a superstar makeover from the MAC team at Macy's before being whisked to ShowBiz Studio in a limousine. There, Molly and her family were treated to lunch and a tour of the set of America's Next Top Model. They also met with judges Kelly Cutrone, Bryanboy, and Rob Evans. Of course, Molly's favorite moment was meeting her hero, Tyra.

"She's been watching Tyra's show for years and she really respects Tyra. She's helped her believe in herself," said Molly's mother, Kathy McGovern. When Tyra walked in the room, "It was amazing. Molly was just beside herself. She couldn't believe this was happening to her!"

Although star struck, Molly spent some quality time chatting with Tyra and posing for pictures before presenting her with a poem that she had written just for Tyra. "I told her I loved her," said Molly. Tyra gave her a hug and told her that anything was possible and to not give up on her dreams.

"It's a once in a lifetime experience she'll never forget," said Kathy of her daughter's wish. "I'm so appreciative that Kids Wish Network made this happen for Molly."

In addition to Tyra Banks, others who helped Kids Wish Network make Molly's dream come true were America's Next Top Model, Midway Car Rental, Sheraton Los Angeles, Samantha Salk, Engine Co. No. 28, Hard Rock Café, Norman Lewis Limousine, and Bottega Louie.

About Kids Wish Network
Kids Wish Network is an international charitable (501(c)3) organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children who have experienced life-altering situations. Kids Wish Network assisted 114,912 children and their families the past fiscal year through its programs and services. More information is available at http://www.kidswishnetwork.org or by calling 888-918-0904.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

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