Make A Wish Foundation celebrates record breaking event at the Detroit Zoo

(Royal Oak - WXYZ) - The Make A Wish Foundation is celebrating a record breaking fundraiser.  The Walk For Wishes at the Detroit Zoo brought in more than 2,700 walkers and raised almost $300,000 for the charity.

The event helps the Make A Wish Foundation grant wishes to children with serious illnesses.

WXYZ was proud to partner with the Make A Wish foundation and raise awareness for the event. Seven Action News Anchor Alicia Smith emceed the walk. She had the honor of presenting wish awards to deserving kids and their families. 

"I am looking forward to spending a week at Disney with my family," said Lyndsey Smith. "When I go there I won't have to worry about anything for that week."

Smith suffers from muscular dystrophy.  She says her family has never had the chance to go away on such a vacation.

Many walkers joined together to raise money for the charity in honor of past wish recipients who did not survive their diseases. 

"Last year she had prom.  She stayed up until 2 in the morning, then woke up and walked here," said Lori Kaw of her daughter Rachel.

Rachel's wish was granted by the Make A Wish foundation last fall.  She went to fashion week in New York City.

"She said my cheeks hurt from smiling so much," said Kaw when describing what the trip meant to her daughter.

The trip ended up being one of the last experiences in Rachel's life.  She died in October from complications from her immune disorder.

"I miss her so much. She would be proud I think, because we had 'Team Rachel'.  We had about 15 walkers in her honor. "

To find out more about the Make A Wish Foundation, click here.