When 9-year-old Alicia had the chance to make a wish, she wanted to make a big splash. Alicia wished to have her very own hot tub, and with the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation®
of Oregon, Alicia’s pool parties soon became the hottest ticket in town.
Alicia's mom helps Alicia enjoy her wish - her very own hot tub, which arrived just before Christmas.
Alicia, who was diagnosed with the genetic disorder methylmalonic acidemia, is unable to speak, so it isn’t always easy for her to socialize with her friends. But when she invited her pals to dive in and check out her new hot tub, the walls rang with laughter.
Alicia’s wish granters also surprised her with toys for her hot tub. Her favorite, a battery-operated clown fish, can often be found swimming next to her.
Alicia’s wish has therapeutic benefits, too. Relaxing in the warm water makes Alicia more comfortable and allows her arms and legs to be more flexible and mobile. Alicia’s mom, Kelly, often helps Alicia kick her legs in the water; it’s a good therapy exercise, and in the hot tub, Alicia thinks it’s great fun.
The day Alicia’s hot tub arrived – just before Christmas – was full of anticipation for Alicia and her family, but it was only the beginning of the fun. She can combine her spa time with some of her other favorite activities – such as listening to tunes from her Veggie Tales CDs or playing with her older brother, who always makes her smile.
Alicia is the 200th recipient of a hot tub donated by Marquis Spas®
through its "In the Spirit of the Wish" campaign. In an article from the Salem (Ore.) Statesman Journal, Alicia’s mom noted that when Alicia is in her hot tub – her wish come true – she “just laughs and laughs…” There can be no question that Alicia’s wish to bring a hot tub into her home has brought smiles to the faces of everyone around her.
Inspired Thoughts
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What a beautiful girl! I'm so happy that she got her wish, and it's able to be in therapy for her as well. Thank God for such wonderful companies like Marquis Spa to give children their wishes! Best of luck Alicia!
- Amanda
11/17/2006
11:47
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I have a nephew who has several medical problems similar to Alicia's, and so I am glad to see such a miracle happen for this wondeful little girl, A hot tub may just be a hot tub for some people, but for people like Alicia and my nephew it can change thier lives. Thanks to Make-A-Wish and all Make-A-Wish supporters.
- Charlotte
01/03/2007
23:29
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Alicia, thats so nice! Remember, God thinks your special and he loves you very much!
- Alexandra
06/15/2007
7:24
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Hi Alicia, I am so happy that your wish came true. I am glad that it helps you with therapy. THANK YOU MAKE A WISH!!!!!
- Emily
06/19/2007
5:52
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Reading this little girls story reminded me of my own little brother. He has Down Syndrome and Autism and cannot speak either, but when he is in water, like the pool, he feels so free and laughs uncontrollably. It brought tears to my eyes reading Alicia's story. I'm happy she got her wish, and I hope she continues to have loads of fun in her hot tub!
- Andrea
07/01/2007
13:27
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This story has touched my heart....it truly is the little things in life that matter most. Alicia's story is proof of that. Everyone should look to her as an example of wanting and enjoying the simple things in life. Laughter, comfort, and the ultimate gift of friendship and family is what truly matters most! Thank you for sharing your story Alicia.
Sincerely,
Michelle :)
XOetc.
- Michelle
06/07/2007
11:15
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That is so sweet. I think Make-A-Wish Foundation is a wonderful thing. No sick child wants to be cooped up in a hospital, they'd rather be living their dreams. I am going to donate money as soon as I can to make more wishes come true. Laughter is a very strong medicine!
- Lindsey
06/06/2007
17:11
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I am so grateful for the make-a-wish program! I'm happy to see Alicia got to enjoy her hot tub! Thank God for Make-a-Wish.....good luck Alicia!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Misty
06/02/2007
8:21
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My son has cerebral palsy, but has many similar physical symptoms. Warm water pool therapy is the best thing ever. It allows the kids to move freely in the water, something that they aren't able to do when out of the water/fighting gravity.
This is a very good wish. Enjoy your hot tub!
- Joy
05/28/2007
11:29
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Very touching.
- Joey
05/14/2007
12:01
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What an amazing girl! Looks like she has she has been through a lot. I'm amazed that an adorable little girl has received a disease, but, I'm sure she'll be okay!
- Vanessa
04/28/2007
12:12
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My 5-yr old little boy recieved a hot tub a couple years ago. He has Angelman Syndrome and adores the water. The hot tub really loosens up his muscles and joints, and just helps him relax. I'm so glad to see other kiddos like Alicia enjoying their hot tubs. Make-A-Wish is a wonderful organization. Thanks so much to all of you guys for your hard work.
- Stephanie
07/25/2007
0:40
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Beautiful, absolutely beautiful, Alicia. May all your wishes become your reality. And know this, sweet child, one more person has now joined the foundations volunteer ranks when the oppurtunity develops.
- Dana
04/04/2007
8:18
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You are so very pretty. I hope that you get the best wish ever. You and your family are in my prayers.
- Candice
02/21/2008
6:29
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Alicia, thank you so much. By sharing your wish with us, you helped us decide our wish for our daughter Sophia. She has very high tone and loves warm water. She'll get so much more use out of this than a trip. Thanks sweetie, enjoy you hot tub!
- Kristin (Wish mom)
02/03/2008
14:15
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Wow. That's so cool. A HOT TUB! I wish I had one!
- Carrija
03/03/2008
23:20
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Dear Alicia,
I am so glad that you got your hot tub and I hope that you have a lot of fun in it . Wishing the best of luck.
- Samantha
12/31/2007
11:40
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You dear girl. I am so happy you got your wish (which, I might add, is a very fun and a very smart choice!) May God bless you, and many more happy days to come!
- Lauren
04/28/2008
11:36
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