Hello!

I'm thrilled to share that I've accepted the nomination to be an honoree for W.I.S.H. Society- Women Inspiring Strength and Hope. As a pediatrician, it's my pleasure to serve my young patients and their families to help them heal and grow strong. Sometimes, however, I am faced with the challenge of sharing the frightening diagnosis of a critical illness. 

For a child facing a critical illness, a wish can be a game-changer. Hospital stays, doctors visits, and treatments mean their life may never be the same. Make-A-Wish brings wish kids renewed hope. Suddenly, they enter a world of possibilities – where the exciting anticipation of a wish-come-true helps them believe in better days ahead. Research shows that children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. A wish replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope.

Meet Kara whom I diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Upon diagnosing her, I immediately referred her to MUSC. This brave girl spent weeks at Shawn Jenkins Childrens Hospital away from her Myrtle Beach home and siblings. Through her treatment, she kept smiling and continued to excel in school receiving all A’s and B’s.  When Kara found out she was receiving a wish, she became more hopeful during her treatment and knew exactly what to wish for!  A trip to Disney World where she could ride all the rides!

Kara’s wish was granted on November 11 at Broadway at the Beach where she was the VIP at the Tree Lighting Celebration!  Knowing that Kara is in remission and celebrating her health with her family, warms my heart. It shows me the importance of wish and why I am committed to raising $37,500- or to grant five wishes! You may watch Kara’s wish being granted here:

Make-A-Wish recipient's dream comes true at Broadway at the Beach tree lighting event | WPDE

I hope you will join me in granting wishes to children with critical illnesses. These are lasting wishes that the child and the family will forever have in their hearts.

Thank you!

Dr. Juliette Walker