“We’re going to Disney!” That’s what 12-year old Kaitlyn Leonardson was saying Saturday evening after she was taken to a surprise party in Sturgeon Bay, sponsored by the Make a Wish Foundation. Kaitlyn, a student at Sturgeon Bay’s TJ Walker middle school, must have wondered what was going on when a large fire truck, decorated with a whale & dolphin, pulled up to her home & transported her to city hall. A crowd of friends, neighbors, firefighters & well-wishers were there to greet her. One of those on hand was Sandy Smith of Manitowoc, representing the Make a Wish foundation. Smith said she is pleased to be able to help children like Kaitlyn who suffers from a form of anemia & is glucose intolerant…[audio:http://wdor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/N203.mp3|titles=Sandy Smith]
Smith praised the efforts of Sturgeon Bay Police Chief Arleigh Porter & Assistant Fire Chief Tim Dietman for putting together the festivities, noting that the local pre-trip party was one of the biggest she’s ever been involved with during a decade with the program…[audio:http://wdor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/N204.mp3|titles=Sandy Smith]
Kaitlyn & her parents, David & Sean Leonardson, will head to Disney World in Florida on February 23rd. A highlight of the trip will be a day with a dolphin trainer at Sea World. During the party, Mayor Thad Birmingham designated February 23rd as “Kaitlyn Leonardson day” in Sturgeon Bay.
