I’ve experienced first-hand the power a granted wish can have on the life of a child with a critical illness. In 2017, Make-A-Wish made it possible for my son, Xavier, to have his own wish granted, and it is still one of the most memorable moments of his life.
Xavier was born with heterotaxy syndrome and a combination of multiple complex congenital heart defects. Our lives suddenly revolved around surgeries, hospital stays and more doctor appointments than we could count. There were good days and bad days, but even the good days were shadowed with uncertainty of what was to come.
During this uncertainty, Make-A-Wish gave Xavier (and the rest of our family) the opportunity to focus on the good, and provided an escape from the challenges and stressors associated with living with a critical illness. Make-A-Wish helped make it possible for him to have the experience of a lifetime and created amazing memories that continue to help all of us make it through the more challenging days.
Our family is just one of many that Make-A-Wish has been able to help. Make-A-Wish grants more than 15,000 wishes nationwide every year. That may seem like a lot, but it only accounts for 50% of eligible kids. Every hour of every day, an average of three children are diagnosed with a critical illness. Each one of these kids deserves a wish to give them strength and help them heal.
This will be my 4th year participating in the Trailblaze Challenge and I hope you will support my fundraising efforts so more children, and their families, can know the true happiness, relief and renewal a wish can bring.
These essential wishes are only possible because of supporters like you. Together, we are transforming lives - one wish at a time!
Please help me support Make-A-Wish by donating today!
