Isagenix Reveals Wish for 11-Year-Old Boy at 2014 Annual Celebration Event

'I Can't Believe That I'm Going to Australia to See a Platypus!'

News provided by

Aug 26, 2014, 04:52 ET

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Magic can often be in rare supply these days, but when witnessed in person it can make anyone's day. On Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the Isagenix 2014 "Strength in Momentum" Celebration at the San Diego Convention Center, it was an extra magical moment for more than 10,000 audience members thanks to one courageous young boy.

The performance revealed that Ben will travel to Australia to meet a platypus this fall; this is the only place in the world where one can see platypuses in the wild. The wish reveal deeply touched his family and the audience. "I've always dreamed to see a furry creature who is a mammal and lays eggs," exclaims 11-year-old Ben. "And I can't believe that I'm going to Australia with my entire family to do this." (PRNewsFoto/Isagenix) (PRNewsFoto/Isagenix)

Ben is a brave 11-year-old who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia a little more than one year ago. This past June, Ben completed his last chemotherapy treatment and began a two-and-a-half year "maintenance" period. This period brings new challenges and freedoms for Ben and he is ready to embark in new journeys in life. "Make-A-Wish makes such a big difference in the lives of families going through hard times," says Ben's dad, Ingolf.

Because of Ben's love of magic, he was asked to participate in a live magic show with magician, Gerry Katzman, owner of Hollywood's Magic Castle. Ben performed several mind-blowing tricks with Magician Gerry while his mom, Stephanie, dad, Ingolf, and 8-year-old brother, Leon, watched him help perform the grand finale. "To see a child's face light up because he's doing magic, and then to see a glimmer of hope in his eyes performing what he loves to do was inspiring," says Gerry.

The performance revealed that Ben will travel to Australia to meet a platypus this fall; this is the only place in the world where one can see platypuses in the wild. The wish reveal deeply touched his family and the audience.

"I've always dreamed to see a furry creature who is a mammal and lays eggs," exclaims 11-year-old Ben. "And I can't believe that I'm going to Australia with my entire family to do this."

Along with the live wish reveal, Isagenix Board Member Jim Pierce, and his wife, Tammy, challenged the company's top income earners to match their donation of $100,000. Overall, the audience raised over $200,000 with more donations coming in to help Make-A-Wish® throughout the day to encourage their philanthropic endeavors. Since 2012, Isagenix has raised more than $1.5 million, helping to grant over 190 wishes.

Visit the "Culture" tab on Isagenix.com or, visit wish.org for more information about Make-A-Wish America and worldwish.org for more information about Make-A-Wish International. If you have any questions or a Make-A-Wish story to share, email [email protected].

About Isagenix – Isagenix develops and manufactures personalized solutions for weight loss, energy and performance, healthy aging and wealth creation. Isagenix products are distributed through an independent network of Associates in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Mexico, Singapore, Malaysia and Colombia. The company's vision is to impact world health and free people from physical and financial pain. Isagenix, established in 2002, is a privately owned company with headquarters in Chandler, Ariz., and is a member of the Direct Selling Association. For more information, visit www.Isagenix.com.

Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact, most health professionals believe a wish-come-true has positive impacts on the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illness, and their parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. Headquartered in Phoenix, Make-A-Wish is one of the world's leading children's charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish grants a wish somewhere in the country every 38 minutes. It has granted more than 240,000 wishes since its inception in 1980; more than 14,000 in 2013 alone. Visit Make-A-Wish at www.wish.org to learn more.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140826/139921

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140826/139920

SOURCE Isagenix