Make-a-Wish Foundation fulfills boy's dream to meet Emeril
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Third grader Ethan Milich enjoyed a piece of New York cheesecake while fulfilling his dream to meet Emeril Lagasse. Milich suffers from Panhypopituitarism and was able to visit New York City through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Eight-year-old Ethan Milich has been tuning in to the Food Network since he was two years old.

He cooks up all kinds of food concoctions in his "kid" kitchen, especially his favorite - salad with blue cheese dressing.

But Ethan is not an ordinary third-grader. He suffers from panhypopituitarism, which is a form of diabetes that causes a growth hormone deficiency.

The Amherst resident and student at Maplemere Elementary School has drawn inspiration from internationally known chef Emeril Lagasse.

When Make-A-Wish Foundation offered to fulfill his dream, so he could have happy memories that will last him a lifetime, Ethan jumped at the chance to fly to New York City and attend a taping of the "Emeril Live" show.

A limousine picked up Ethan and his mother, Jennifer, and took them to the airport where they took a Jet Blue flight to the Big Apple.

While there, they didn't waste a single minute shopping, said Ethan. They went sightseeing and ate at the restaurants of his choice.

On the second day of his trip, he visited the television set of the "Emeril Live" show, where he and his mom were escorted inside with the rest of the studio audience.

Ethan said they were taught how to clap and behave while in their seats.

During a commercial break, Ethan was brought backstage to meet his idol.

"He was nice," Ethan said, noting that the chef autographed his cookbooks and T-shirt.

Ethan gave Lagasse a certificate from his Boy Scout troop, making the food master an honorary member.

Lagasse made gumbo, pork chops and pork roast on the show, which aired Sunday, Nov. 26. Ethan said his favorite dish was the gumbo.

While on his first trip to New York City, Ethan also attended the Broadway musical, "The Lion King," visited a wax museum and took a ride on a horse-drawn carriage.

Overall, Ethan said he had an unforgettable vacation, noting that his favorite stop was visiting the "Emeril Live" show.

According to a press release, 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. For more information or to make a donation to the foundation, call 810-9474 or visit the Web site www. westny. wish. org.

e-mail: JSchmelzer@beenews.com