Elijah Cook from Canton, G.A., can totally relate to his country idol, Jason Aldean. The two both know all the words to Aldean’s songs, love the Georgia Bulldogs, and now, have both had the red-carpet treatment.
During Elijah’s recent wish trip, granted by children’s charity Kids Wish Network, the 13-year-old was treated just like his favorite superstar while rocking out at Aldean’s “Burn It Down” tour in Atlanta.
Meeting Elijah, you could never guess from his cheerful attitude that he suffers from a life-threatening illness. Elijah was born with spina bifida, a developmental congenital disorder cause when the bones of the spine don’t form properly around the baby’s spinal cord. When he was only 24 hours old, Elijah had his first surgery. His second surgery came shortly after as he was rushed into emergency surgery to place a shunt in his brain. Installed thirteen years ago, his shunt is still intact but Elijah needed another five surgeries as a result of his condition.
Despite his condition and being wheelchair bound, Elijah is an extremely upbeat and positive young man who has a personality that is larger than life. Elijah loved being the center of attention during his wish trip as Kids Wish Network delivered one exciting adventure after the other.
Elijah and his family traveled to Atlanta where they stayed at the luxurious Westin Peachtree Plaza, dined at fantastic restaurants, explored local attractions, and helped Jason Aldean “Burn It Down” at the country star’s concert. Arriving in a state-of-the-art handicap-accessible limo, the concert, and meeting Aldean, was definitely the highlight of Elijah’s wish.
“I really love Jason Aldean and his music,” recalls Elijah. “Getting to meet him was incredible. Thank you Kids Wish Network, I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Elijah’s mom Brandy adds, “I couldn’t have planned a more perfect wish for Elijah. He felt like such a celebrity because everywhere we went, everyone knew his name. Thank you all so much; Elijah has a memory that will last forever.”
Elijah continues to share his photos and memories of his wish trip with everyone he meets. Kids Wish Network would like to thank all of Elijah’s wish sponsors for making his dream come true: Jason Aldean, Aldean Army, Action Limousines, The Westin Peachtree Plaza, The SunDial Restaurant, Bar and View; Agatha’s, A Taste of Mystery; Brio Tuscan Grille, Imagine It! Children’s Museum, and Underground Atlanta.
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 experience life-altering situations. Come experience the Kids Wish Network difference.
