LeAnn Rimes Answers Southampton Woman's Wish Upon a Hero

Grammy award-wining artist LeAnn Rimes helped make one Southampton woman’s wish come true in Glenside Friday night.

Renee Succa has had a difficult time travelling far from her home, because her wheelchair was unable to fit properly in her family’s van. 

Renee has Rett Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder that has left her unable to do the things most of us take for granted like, stand, walk or even talk.

Renee’s mother, Rosemary Bandura, decided to take to the internet to find someone who was willing to help.

First, she entered a contest that the wheelchair manufacturer, Convaid, was sponsoring directly, but Renee did not win.

"She didn't get enough facebook votes," said Michael Bandura, Renee's father.

Next, Rosemary decided to reach out to Wish Upon a Hero on her daughters behalf.

She wrote a plea on the group's website for a new specialized wheelchair that would meet her daughter’s needs but would also fit in the family van.

"[Rosemary] wrote her wish on the site and the next night they called," said Michael. "It was amazing!"  

Rimes presented Renee with her new wheelchair, courtesy of Convaid, backstage before her concert at the Keswick Theater Friday evening.

Wish Upon a Hero President and Founder Dave Girgenti said Rimes has been working with the organization to help grant wishes for approximately 3 years, just not usually with the fanfare of Friday’s presentation.

“She has been buying things from people’s Christmas lists since 2009, just not under her own name,” he said.

Girgenti said the group has several famous people that help as "heroes," but the organization does not divulge anyone’s identity without their permission.

“Superman is Superman on our site, we don’t put Clark Kent out there – it’s just Superman,” he said. 

Girgenti said the group discovered Rimes's identity when she tweeted about her love of Wish Upon a Hero; the two made contact and the rest is history.

Following the presentation to Renee, Rimes was noticeably emotional.

“It’s not often that I get to see the actual wish be granted,” she said. “It’s exciting.”

Renee and her family were equally excited.

"Here is someone that really needs something and she got it,” said her father, Michael.  “It’s beyond words. “

Renee's mother Rosemary added that she was sure the family would now be busy getting out and going everywhere for quite some time.

To read more about the Wish Upon a Hero Foundation, click here.

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