Murrieta Boy Wishes For Space

Since he was 5 years old, Murrieta boy Timothy Odenbrett has suffered from life-threatening and painful illnesses.

At a young age, doctors determined that he had aplastic anemia, which is a condition in which bone marrow does not produce sufficient new cells to replenish one’s blood, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

Timothy got a bone marrow transplant from his older brother, Chris, and today, their DNA is identical.

Though Timothy's fight with anemia is over, the boy since developed a cancerous brain tumor, requiring surgery.

Following the surgery, Timothy still had radiation therapy and chemotherapy to face, in addition to weekly transfusions.

While he is currently in remission, the chemotherapy used to cure the cancer has damaged his bone marrow as well.

Family and friends pray fervently for a cure for Timothy but in the meantime, they want to see the youngster get a very special wish.

Because Timothy's first love is outer space, Wishes for Children Temecula Valley is trying to arrange a trip to Florida for the youngster and his family.

If the wish comes true--with the help of the community--the family will spend four days and three nights at the Kennedy Space Center.

Anyone who wants to make a donation can visit wishesforchildren.org and click on the "Make a Donation" button.

Charlie Pate, who founded Wishes for Children Temecula Valley eight years ago, said 100 percent funds raised by the all-volunteer organization go toward granting wishes.

"It leaves an everlasting impression on your heart when you get to meet a child's wish," Pate said Thursday.

At least two benefits are also planned to help further Timothy's wish.

"Timothy's Wish: A Christmas Shopping Spree," hosted by Murrieta resident Lori Curran and husband, Murrieta Fire Capt. Richard Curran, will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, at 24721 Clay Ave., Murrieta.

The open house-style shopping experience will feature at least 15 vendors, offering items ranging from homemade jelly and salsa, clothing and jewelry to make-up and kitchenware.

Proceeds from the evening will go toward granting Timothy's wish.

Though Lori has yet to meet Timothy, she has a passion for kids and has worked in foster care.

"I am going to everything I can to make the money needed for this trip," Lori said.

There will also be a silent auction during the open house, with gift baskets donated by The Mill Restaurant and other local businesses.

For more information about the open house, call 951-551-3897.

Then on Nov. 19, proceeds from the fourth annual Run, Bike, Walk event from the Robert Renzoni Winery to Barley & Hops in Temecula will additionally go toward fulfilling Timothy's wish.

Information on the event is available by contacting Frank Van Dyke at 951-375-8707 or emailing him at frankmyinsuranceguy@gmail.com.

In addition, Cheryl Sommerville of HomeQuest Properties said the realty firm will be donating an electronic telescope so that Timothy can explore outer space from the Inland Empire.