justin gets ‘revved' up for his wish to meet dale earnhardt, jr.

An extraordinary young boy from Seymour recently experienced a once in a lifetime trip to meet his racing idol, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., in Atlanta. 13-year-old Justin, who has spina bifida, couldn't believe it when his one wish to meet the NASCAR legend came true. Justin's special trip came courtesy of Kids Wish Network, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Justin was born with a neural tube defect known as spina bifida. Spina bifida is a condition in which the spinal column does not close completely before birth. In addition, Justin has hydrocephalus, which results in a build up of excess fluid around the brain. Justin has endured numerous surgeries throughout his young life and is confined to a wheelchair.

Not long ago, Justin's dad, Mike, was referred to Kids Wish Network by a relative. The charity contacted Mike and sent him an application. Before long, the family received the good news: Justin had indeed been approved for a wish. This brave boy knew just what he wanted to do: he wanted to meet his hero, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., in person!

Justin's Kids Wish Network wish coordinator, Madeline, quickly began working hard to make his wish come true. In addition to arranging for airline tickets to Atlanta where there was a race, she also booked hotel accommodations there, secured tickets to the race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway and most importantly, scheduled a special meet and greet with Justin and Dale. Justin was in for a truly amazing dream come true.

The big day arrived early for Justin when he and his family met Madeline in the Doubletree Atlanta Galleria hotel lobby at 7:15 a.m. on the morning of the race. The sleepy gang headed promptly out to the Atlanta Motor Speedway. As the sun rose, so did Justin's anticipation. He couldn't believe he would soon be meeting Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Mike said that Justin was beside himself before the meet and greet. "As we got closer he was getting more and more hyped up!" Before he knew it, Justin was right outside of his idol's motor coach. "He was really nice," said Mike of Dale Jr. The driver and his young fan bonded almost immediately, laughing, chatting and posing for pictures. Justin even got to meet Dale's brother, Kerry Earnhardt, also a NASCAR star. Justin was delighted. "He thought that was pretty cool," laughed Mike. After the meet and greet was over, the family headed over to watch the race. 

Justin returned home from his trip tired, but with plenty of very special memories. "To see the kids smiling and laughing, that's what it was all about," said Mike, who was moved by how much the trip meant to his brave son. "He hasn't stopped talking about it. He's pretty proud of the whole thing!" Mike was also grateful to Madeline and Kids Wish Network for putting everything together. "Madeline was a lot of fun! I was very pleased with everything. He had just a great time!"

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Justin's wish extra special: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Doubletree Guest Suites, NASCAR Tickets, Olive Garden, Pizza Hut and of course, Mr. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.!

Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children. If you know a child between the ages of 3 and 18 who may be in need of its wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit their website at www.kidswishnetwork.org