Sixteen year-old Eli Dean had a wish to meet his favorite author, Jonathan London. And with the help of the Kids Wish Network, the Newnan resident in late July traveled to San Francisco to meet the author of the “Froggy” children’s book series.

Eli at two years of age was diagnosed with Fraser syndrome, a condition which affects different systems of the body with various developmental defects. In addition to being born without eyes, Eli has a displaced kidney and a cleft in his vocal cords. Eli’s mother, Pam, said that because of this illness, he is unable to feed himself, talk or see, and is confined to a wheelchair. Since his diagnosis, he has endured several surgeries.

Eli has an affinity for listening to the “Froggy” books written by San Francisco author Jonathan London. Armed with that knowledge Debbie Thomas, a friend with whom Pam works, passed Eli’s story and his wish to meet his favorite author to representatives of the Kids Wish Network, an organization to which she contributes. Kids Wish Network made contact with Pam last summer to begin the conversation that would lead to the California trip to meet London.

“We read them to him every night,” Pam said of the Froggy books her son has enjoyed for the past 10 years.

The process of granting Eli’s wish took about a year, Pam said. And the process culminated with the five-day trip to California that began on July 31. Eli, Pam and Eli’s sister Erin and brother Evan all made the journey.

“It was Eli’s first flight on an airplane,” Pam said chuckling. “And it was quite an experience.”

But the airborne experience was just beginning.

“Eli’s face just lit up when he heard Mr. London. He couldn’t keep his hands off him! I never imagined it would be like that,” Pam explained. “Eli laughed and jabbered the whole time. We felt like we had known them (Mr. London and his wife) for a long time. Eli just took to Mr. London like he was his best friend. It was great!”

For London, too, the occasion to meet Eli made an impression.

“Meeting Eli was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” London told the Kids Wish Network. “I sat down by Eli, who was in a wheelchair, and said ‘hi,’ and asked him if he'd like me to read him a Froggy book. He opened his mouth wide, and his mom said that that meant ‘yes!’ When I started to read he immediately lit up. He smiled and seemed to laugh. His arm swung out and he squeezed my hand. He pursed his lips and made little kissing sounds. His mom said that he was sending me kisses! I was so overwhelmed it was hard not to cry. His joy became my joy. I got to take turns pushing him around in his wheelchair. His brother Evan told me he loved to go fast and be spun around. I ran down steep hills and popped wheelies. It was as much fun for me as for him. His sister Erin and I read him one more book, Froggy’s First Kiss. He was so happy! When it was time to say goodbye, I couldn't help but cry. I would miss him so much. What a great kid!”

Again with the help of Kids Wish Network representatives Doris and Jennifer (last names withheld) the trip continued with visits to Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum and the Exploratorium and meal reservations at the Hard Rock Café, The Pub, The Blue Mermaid, Hooters and Joe’s Crab Shack.

“We had a great time everywhere we went. We toured the city and went to the Golden Gate Bridge and Chinatown. And each of the restaurants did everything for Eli and really catered to him,” Pam said, chuckling again. “Eli got pictures made with the Hooter girls. He can’t see but he knows who to flirt with.”

Now back in Newnan, Pam was quick to express her appreciation to her friend Debbie who passed Eli’s name to the Kids Wish Network and to Jennifer and Doris, who worked to receive donations and provide her son with a way to visit his favorite author.

“Jen and everyone did a fabulous job. The Londons’ were so nice and down to earth,” said Pam. “We couldn’t have asked for anything better. You just can’t imagine how much we appreciate it.”