When the 29th annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade hits the streets on July 4th, along for the ride this year will be some very special participants – wish kids Kaci, 9, and Jayden, 10. That’s because Make-A-Wish® Southern Nevada, a well-known organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, is a parade sponsor this year.
The Wishing Place, headquarters for Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, is located in Summerlin on the campus of Allegiant Airlines that generously provides free office space to the nonprofit.
With support from Nothing Bundt Cakes, Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada will proudly sponsor the giant birthday cake float fittingly called “America’s Birthday.” And riding atop the cake will be Kaci and Jayden, Make-A-Wish recipients, and their families.
Jayden, who was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder shortly after birth, has spent much of his life in and out of hospitals. He wished for acting lessons and recently received the wish of a lifetime that included a surprise event at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, a private master acting class, a VIP backstage tour, and much more.
Kaci, who received her wish in 2022, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2018. During her years of treatment, she found relief playing outside and spending time with her parents. It was no wonder she wished for an RV adventure that included a visit to Sequoia National Park and other spots along the way, with help from Dutch Bros Coffee.
So when you see Jayden and Kaci decked out in red, white and blue atop a giant America’s Birthday Cake on July 4th in the valley’s biggest and most colorful July 4th parade, wave big!