May 21, 2005 - Ojai, California – The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties will grant the wish of Santa Paula resident, Kim Van Meter.  Kim, 18, was born with transposition of the great vessels, a serious congenital heart condition that required a pacemaker implantation when the girl was only 8 months old.  Kim’s one wish was to record her very own music CD, featuring 5 Christian songs of her own.

According to Kim, she has never been able to get involved in activities other kids her age enjoy. She said, “I can’t play contact sports and I have very limited endurance. My heart can’t take it.”  But Kim’s heart has no challenge taking in emotions, which the teen then processes and translates into music. 

Born into a musically enthusiastic family, Kim started to sing at age 4 and wrote her first song at age 12.  When presented with the opportunity to formulate a wish, Kim decided she wanted to record her songs and make her own CD. “This is a dream I always had and I know it will come true very soon.”

Compliments of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, on Tuesday, May 24, Kim will arrive in a limousine at Mountain Dog Musicworks recording studios in Ojai. Once at the venue, Kim will be presented with a gift certificate to record her music. Kim will also receive 100 copies, professional design and photos for the cover of her CD, which she plans to entitle "The Restoration Project." The teen’s favorite song is "I Need You." The lyrics touch on the need to reach out to God for healing when your heart is broken. The song has already won the Assemblies of God Final Arts competition and is heading to the national finals. Kim is also a finalist in the solo vocal category.

Tim Frantz of Mountain Dog Musicworks (http://www.mountaindogmusic.com) specializes in working with Christian music artists.  Frantz is donating a considerable part of the necessary studio time to make Kim’s wish possible. Additionally, Eikon Photografx is providing photo and design services at nominal rates. Roadrunner Shuttle Service will be offering a 15% discount on the trips from Santa Paula to Oak View to take Kim up to the studio to record her wish.  Several musicians from area churches will also donate their time to this recording.

"I want to tell everyone involved in helping to grant my wish that they are not only touching my life.  They are making a difference in the lives of many, many people.  I will be able to listen to my CD for years and remember that wishes do come true. All I can think of saying is thank you,” said Kim.

Kim’s next wish is to dedicate her project to her friend, Crystal who recently passed away to cancer. “She told me about the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” Kim said. “I think Crystal is definitely part of making my wish possible.”

When asked about her outlook on life, the teen said, “Like anyone with a heart condition I have good days and bad days, but every day is a gift and a miracle. I am so thankful to be alive and to see my wish come true. I can’t afford to take life for granted.” 

Kim is the oldest of Melvin and Brenda Van Meter’s three teenage daughters.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.  With a staff of only four and the help of more than 60 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties is celebrating its 700 heartfelt wishes granted to children of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.  If you want to refer a child to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, call 1-888-899-9474 [WISH].  Donations may be sent to Make-A-Wish at 4141 State Street, Suite C3, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.  To donate your vehicle or your airline miles call 681-1644.  For more information on these and other ways to help visit their website at: www.tri-counties.wish.org.