July 28, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Stephanie Mullholland
1-800-229-7048, [email protected]
Independent insurance agents sponsor Wish trip for local child
Dickson County’s independent insurance agencies tonight hosted a “Welcome Home” Party for Ethan, an 8-year-old
Abilene boy who recently returned home from his Wish trip, which was granted through Make-A-Wish Kansas.
Four local Trusted Choice independent insurance agencies – Smart Insurance Services (Abilene), Insurance
Store/Edwards Agency (Chapman), Coup & Emig Insurance (Hope) and Brethren Mutual Aid (Abilene) – along with
the Kansas Association of Insurance Agents (KAIA) helped secure the funds to grant Ethan’s wish to be a train
conductor.
Ethan, who was born with Pilocytic Astrocytoma (a rare childhood brain tumor), traveled to San Francisco for his
Wish trip where he spent time visiting his aunt, was named an honorary conductor and engineer by Amtrak, and
celebrated his 8th birthday aboard an Amtrak train.
“This is about working together to make our local communities stronger,” said Kerri Spielman, executive director
of KAIA. “Trusted Choice independent insurance agents began a partnership with Make-A-Wish Kansas several
years ago because we recognize that all children - particularly those who face every day with a serious medical
condition - need a community cheering them on. We’re pleased to be a small part of Ethan’s community.”
Community leaders, elected officials, and local Trusted Choice insurance agents – along with Ethan’s family and
friends – welcomed him home at the party, which took place aboard a train car at the Abilene & Smoky Valley
Railroad. The insurance agents and the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad also presented Ethan with a gift to
commemorate his wish trip, including tickets to ride the Abilene train.
“The impact of granting a child a wish is far-reaching. It affects the wish child, their family, and entire community,”
said Make-A-Wish Kansas CEO Dr. April S. Abernethy. “Wishes allow us to reach out to a child during their most
vulnerable moments and offer them hope, strength and joy. We are privileged to have KAIA as an active community
partner and sponsor, and we thank the local Trusted Choice independent insurance agents for their continued
support.”
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About Make-A-Wish® Kansas
Make-A-Wish® Kansas grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope,
strength and joy. Since its first wish in 1985, Make-A-Wish Kansas has granted the one true wish of more than 1,400 children with lifethreatening medical conditions. As a national organization, Make-A-Wish is one of world’s leading children’s charities, granting the wishes of
over 250,000 children. Learn more online at www.kansas.wish.org or call 316-838-9474. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter and
Instagram.
About KAIA & Trusted Choice®
Kansas Association of Insurance Agents (KAIA) is a statewide association of more than 500 locally-owned independent insurance agencies. As
Trusted Choice independent agents, KAIA members offer their clients a choice. Independent agents are free to shop around, allowing them to
provide consumers with the best coverage at the right price for their budget. Trusted Choice agents offer both their personal and commercial
coverage, including property, casualty, life, health, workers compensation, employee benefit plans and retirement products. Visit
www.TrustedChoice.com to find your local independent agent.
815 SW Topeka Boulevard | Topeka, Kansas 66612 | 785.232.0561 | 800.229.7048 | Fax 785.232.6817 |
www.kaia.com