Kids Wish Network Grants a Wish to Patient at Keystone Comic Con

by · August 29, 2019

Kids Wish Network is a national wish-granting organization that works with children and teens from the ages of 3 to 18 who are affected by life-threatening illnesses or life-altering situations. Teenager Madelyn Richards lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition that affects the connective tissue in the body.

Earlier this month, Richards was granted the opportunity by Kids Wish Network to meet some of the Weasley siblings at this year’s Keystone Comic Con. Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), James Phelps (Fred Weasley), and Oliver Phelps (George Weasley) were all there to meet Richards, who later said that meeting the actors was the best part of the trip.

My favorite part was spending time with Bonnie Wright and James and Oliver Phelps. They all hugged me, and I tried not to cry. The Phelps twins said that Bonnie and I look like we could be related. That was the biggest compliment of my life.

 

The trip also included three-day VIP access passes for Madelyn and her dad, Justin Richards. Along with meeting the cast, the two spent time at panels and wandering among the numerous booths around the convention venue. Mr. Richards was excited for his daughter to get such a wonderful wish gifted to her.

She was ecstatic throughout her wish and was smiling the entire weekend.

 

Madelyn Richards with James and Oliver Phelps and Bonnie Wright

Source: Kids Wish Network

 

All photos are courtesy of Kids Wish Network. Kids Wish Network is not affiliated with Make-A-Wish Foundation or any other wish-granting organization.

Press Release

Wish [I]s Magical Meeting Harry Potter's Weasleys

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (August 2019): “I expected nerd heaven, and it was!” said Madelyn Richards describing her wish at Keystone Comic Con. It was a special thrill for a girl whose bedroom has its own Harry Potter shrine displaying a large collection of memorabilia. Madelyn struggles with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a disease that weakens her body’s connective tissues. Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses, made her dream come true, sending her to Keystone Comic Con with VIP access for the 3-day event to meet some of her favorite actors from Harry Potter’s Weasley family. 

Kids Wish Network flew Madelyn and her dad to Philadelphia for their colorful pop culture adventure. Keystone Comic Con featured celebrities, photo opps [sic], panels, professional artists, cosplayers, and an array of booths selling special merchandise. Madelyn was thrilled meeting Harry Potter actress Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) and actors James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley). Her treasured time with cast members also included autographs and photos together. “Bonnie even came out from behind her table to spend time talking with Madelyn,” said her dad Justin. Attending the panels was also exciting – especially since she had front[-]row center seats for the Harry Potter Reunion: The Weasleys and was up[-]front during the Tom Holland Spotlight. “My favorite part was spending time with Bonnie Wright and James and Oliver Phelps,” said Madelyn. “They all hugged me, and I tried not to cry. The Phelps twins said that Bonnie and I look like we could be related. That was the biggest compliment of my life.”

“She was ecstatic throughout her wish and was smiling the entire weekend,” said her dad.

Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai said, “We’re thankful to everyone at Keystone Comic Con, Bonnie Wright and James and Oliver Phelps for making Madelyn’s wish as magical as her favorite Harry Potter movies.”

During Madelyn’s own fantastical adventure, she and her dad also enjoyed swanky accommodations at Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square and dinner at Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse.

Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides for trip expenses, meals, accommodations and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs, and refer a child now.