When Caitlin was just five and a half months old, she suffered her first seizure. She was taken to the hospital and was misdiagnosed. When she was seven, her doctors finally discovered that she was suffering from muscular dystrophy, a degenerative group of disorders that affect the functionality of different muscle groups. Every time she has a seizure, she loses more of her abilities.
At the age of 10, Caitlin lost the ability to control her head. She has had two surgeries on her trachea and she is dependent on a ventilator to breathe. Because of her condition, she needs 24 hour care.
Caitlin loves to watch TV and one of her favorite shows is Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, mostly because of its lively, animated host, Ty Pennington. So, when given the chance to wish for anything she wanted, it came as no surprise when Caitlin indicated that she wanted to meet the famous TV host.
“It was an amazing trip,” said Susan of her daughter’s wish. “Caitlin was smiling the whole time.”
Caitlin’s wish took place at the Washington Home & Garden Show in D.C., where Ty Pennington would give a few presentations. In addition to the meet-and-greet with Ty Pennington, Caitlin and her family were also treated to accommodations at the Mayflower Renaissance, dinners every evening, a tour of the city and a trip to an IMAX theater for a show.
Although there were plenty of things to enjoy on her wish, Caitlin’s favorite part was most definitely meeting Ty Pennington.
“She was just in awe when she saw him,” said Susan. “When he kissed her on the cheek, her mouth just dropped open in surprise. She was loving it.”
Ty Pennington spent some time hanging out with Caitlin and presented her with a huge canvas print to take home and decorate her bedroom as well as a $500 gift card for Sears. In return, Caitlin gave Ty a cute stuffed bear and a picture of herself, which he loved. Caitlin could hardly stop smiling.
