I wish to visit my favourite theme park

“Make-A-Wish has given our family a rare opportunity to live care-free, enjoy time together and capture memories. This was an experience we were so grateful to have.”

Wish kid Amelia’s mom Samantha made those reflections after five-year-old Amelia’s wish to visit a theme park came true! Living with a nervous system disorder has come with challenges, including being unable to communicate verbally… but her emotional response to her granted wish spoke volumes. Just look at that smile. #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to have a shopping experience

18-year old Amy’s final year of high school, as well as her participation in her favourite activities like figures skating, were thrown off course when she was diagnosed with lymphoma. Instead of tests and toe loops, Amy had to face chemotherapy.  
 
Her granted wish, however, offered a chance to have fun as a teen and forget about her critical illness; Amy wished for a West Edmonton Mall experience! From riding the rollercoaster to shopping in the Apple Store, staying in Fantasyland hotel and enjoying the waterpark, Amy’s wish brought a smile to her face. Her mom, Denise said “we cannot express how much we appreciated the experience.” #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish

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I wish to be an author

Even in the face of critical illness, you can still write your own story. Ayva lives with a genetic disorder but she hasn’t let that stop her from pursuing her passion for writing: her wish was to be an author and with Make-A-Wish’s help, Ayva has written and published her own story about living with Labrune Syndrome.  

“I am extremely grateful that I get to write this book as my wish,” she wrote. 

 Ayva hopes that the opportunity to write about the disorder will bring awareness to the Labrune Syndrome and will offer a glimpse into what her day-to-day struggles are. 

#CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to visit my favourite theme park

Often, wishes are the building blocks that help families heal from the stress of critical illness. So it was for 10-year-old Bailen and his family following his wish to visit LEGOLAND®. Bailen’s mom, Crystal, told us what the wish meant to her family, “Bailen’s wish really brought our family closer.” She continued, “It reminded us how much we enjoy spending time together.” 

Bailen’s wish was an essential part of his journey that helped remind him what it is like to be a kid 

again, and was an experience that he will not forget! #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to go to Hawaii

As we all think back to the pandemic, we will always remember the isolation and separation… something that was especially true for Benjamin following his heart transplant when maintaining good health through his recovery was absolutely critical. He was in true isolation, but thinking about a soon-to-be-granted wish helped him keep his spirits up. And when his wish was granted, he knew that the wait was worth it: “Having my wish granted was the most fun thing I have ever done before! Having my family there with me made it even more memorable. We will always remember Hawaii as a celebration of my journey to receiving a heart transplant.” #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to have a room makeover

Since 2011, now-15-year-old Catherine has gone through multiple surgeries and treatments to aid her immune system disorder.  

When Catherine learned she was eligible for a wish, the thought of having her own space thrilled her. “When my dad talked about having my own space, I was excited thinking about all the things I’d love to do in it: dance, paint and read,” said Catherine.  

When asked what the wish meant to the family, Catherine’s mom Lynn responded, “It was unbelievable. We just imagine everything she’s going to do in here, the things she’s going to create and the memories we will have as a family – it was positive for everyone.” 

#CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to go to Hawaii

At age nine, Christina’s life has been marked with multiple surgeries and hospitalizations. Her first surgery took place when she was just five days old. Imagine, then, how days spent in hospital wishing instead to spend carefree days on a beach in Hawaii would feel when it became a reality. “The trip was a time to celebrate” said Christina’s mom, Teodora. “For us this trip is a wave which is going to carry us a long way in the future riding on good memories, shared moments, heartfelt conversations and plans for the near future.” #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to have a shopping experience

Living with cystic fibrosis can feel like a life with limits, with daily regimens needed—as well as several surgeries–to keep Donovan feeling his best. But his interests know no boundaries, and a shopping experience to indulge in the worlds of LEGO® and Transformers were just the ticket to let Donovan stretch his creative limits and visit far off places in his mind. In addition to those items, Donovan also got an Xbox and a new laptop as part of his wish experience all wing the 16-year-old to stretch his mind even further! His mom, Marissa, said “he got to be a regular kid from the time he left the house until it was time to head home,” Marissa said of the shopping trip. “His wish gave him that peace of mind many of us take for granted.” #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to visit my favourite theme park

Eight-year-old Ellie lives with a complex genetic disorder. She’s a medically fragile child who has undergone numerous hospitalizations. She’s oxygen-dependent and needs constant care and monitoring as she’s at a high risk of aspirating food or fluid into her lungs, and catching infections from the world around her. To have her wish to visit her favourite theme park proved to be an incredibly liberating experience for her entire family. The wish trip was, in fact, their first out-of-country vacation as a family including Ellie’s six-month-old sister, Gracie. Her mom, Danielle summed it up best: “It was magic.” #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to have a room makeover

When you’re a kid with a critical illness—Like six-year-old Emmett, who lives with a gastrointestinal disorder– there is a lot that would feel out of your control. But imagine being able to design your dream bedroom for yourself, and fill it with all of your favourite things. That’s what Emmett did, and when his made-over room was revealed to him, he saw all of his favourite things, from SuperMario toys, to an amazing wall mural, a PS5, and a mini fridge filled with his favourite: rootbeer! Emmett’s mom Amber said her son was overwhelmed with happiness and shock when he saw his special space, but his wish made him feel differently about his medical condition now that he had his incredible new room and this exciting experience. #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to go on the Rocky Mountaineer Train

Living with sever cerebral palsy didn’t put limits on Harpreet’s interest in exploring the rocky mountains, and what better way to do that then from the luxury of a Rocky Mountaineer train! The 12 year- Hapreet’s mom, Parminder, told us how amazing their trip was, “This wish coming true meant the world to my whole family. Hapreet was interested in exploring the Rocky Mountains for a very long time, so when his wish came true, he was so happy!” 

Harpreet will forever cherish the amazing memories he made with his family by his side. #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to be a zookeeper for a day

In 2019, nine-year-old Katelyn was diagnosed with lymphoma, resulting in two years of chemotherapy in a hospital four and a half hours from her home. During the latter stages of her treatment, she was able to return home and visit the hospital for monthly therapy, and as of today the lymphoma is now in remission. 

Katelyn’s wish to be a zookeeper for the day was a celebration for her whole family of how far Katelyn had come. Travelling to the Toronto Zoo, staff presented Katelyn with her own zookeeper’s hat and gave her a personalized behind-the-scenes tour of their facility and animals. Her favourite experience was seeing the polar bears, giraffes, and kangaroos. 

“I’m happy that my wish was granted and excited that other wishes will get granted,” said Katelyn.  

#CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to have a gaming computer

Katrina is an inspiring, energetic 17 year old, who doesn’t let her diagnosis get in the way of living her life to the fullest. When she was faced with a cancer diagnosis, she immediately underwent treatment. During this difficult time, she felt isolated from her friends. She spent lots of time playing video games – “Call of Duty” and “Fortnite” are her two favourites.  When it came to determining her most heartfelt wish, Katrina knew exactly what it would be. She 

wished to have a new gaming computer. Dreaming of her wish helped bring positivity to some of her most difficult days, and now Katrina has an amazing system to enjoy with her friends for years to come. #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to have an entertainment room

“Ky” was only six years old when she was first diagnosed with lymphoma. Undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, relaxation was key, and Ky made a wish to benefit her whole family: an entertainment room makeover for everyone to relax in and enjoy. Ky’s entertainment room has become her sanctuary, where, at age 13, she spends evenings on her new Xbox, exploring worlds with her VR headset, or enjoying movie nights with her family. It’s a space that has brought them closer together, creating cherished memories and strengthening their bonds. 

“This was such an amazing end to a chapter of our lives that we are moving on from,” said  her mom Lisa. “Make-A-Wish was able to be that final push, and a wonderful cherry on top moment for all the struggles Kylee and her sister had to go through.” #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to visit my favourite theme park

Undergoing treatment was a difficult time for six-year-old Lincoln as it left him feeling very isolated from many of his friends. Dreaming of his wish to visit his favourite theme park helped him get through lengthy hospital stays, and gave him something special to focus on. When it came time for his wish to come true, and after all he’d been through, Lincoln had no trouble finding the bravery to ride all of the big rides. “It wasn’t scary for me!” Lincoln said. “Following him 

around and watching his full belief in the magic is a core memory for me”, his Mom Ruth reflected.  #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to have some of my favourite items

Maximus is 14 years old, and enjoys playing soccer, watching T.V. and playing video games, with “Call of Duty” being his favourite. After facing treatments for leukemia, Maximus said “my wish made all of the tough times to not seem so bad now.” His most heartfelt wish was to have some of his favourite items, for which he got to come into the city and have a deluxe shopping experience, staying at the Fairmont and being driven around in a limo, too; he even had the (literal) red carpet rolled out for him, which made him feel extra special… memories that will last Maximus for a lifetime!  #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to go to Hawaii

One of the joys of a beach holiday is the pure relaxation of it all, something that Nicole was especially grateful for during her granted wish, following her treatment to help heal her from leukemia. In fact, when she was in the hospital, she would always watch TV shows on Hawaii to distract her from her treatments. Through these shows, she learned more about the island, people and culture. This is exactly why she wished to go to Hawaii for her wish! Nicole, her two brothers, and mom and dad, all had a blast on her wish trip.  Nicole told us that whenever she thinks about her wish, “I feel happiness. I’m so glad I was able to experience such an amazing island with my family by my side.” #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to have a gaming computer

In 2020 Owen was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s disease and a growth delay. He’s required surgeries, been put on medications and receives monthly infusions; it’s likely he’ll need more surgery in future, too. Though 15-year-old Owen is an active lower of many sports, he’s also happy hunkered down reading books or playing video games… and when it came to making a wish, a new gaming computer setup was just the ticket. Owen’s mother, Dawn, was so happy that Owen had something to look forward to. “His journey to recovery was not an easy one, and at times this mama bear felt helpless that I could not do more. I would have given anything to take his pain away.” She’s happy that Owen can be a kid again, spend hours on his computer with his friends, and not worry about appointments, treatments, and surgeries. #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to swim with sea turtles

Quinn age 12, lives with cystic fibrosis. Dealing with daily prescribed medications and ongoing treatment is tough. “Dealing with an illness like CF,” said Quinn’s mom, Alecea, “is challenging and has been for many years; Quinn always feels different and that he has to do things other kids don’t.” But one thing Quinn got to do that is exciting… is make a wish.
Quinn’s wish to see sea turtles came true in Hawaii and his family was with him to experience every moment. “The wish let us put Quinn in the driver’s seat and take time to appreciate all he has done for his health,” Alecea said. “Quinn’s wish brought so much joy and a break to our very stressful lives.” #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to visit my favourite theme park

When eight-year-old River found out he was getting a wish, he started bubbling with anticipation. “We always try to concentrate on the good things, even during the bad times”, said his mom Kristine. Considering River was diagnosed with cancer at age three, staying positive isn’t always easy; five years is a long time but Kristine said that  “the anticipation of River’s wish kept us all going.” When River’s wish to go to his favourite theme park came true, it was a delight for his whole family. “We loved every minute of our trip. It was more than we could have even imagined,” said Kristine. #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to visit my favourite theme park

In 2021, Samantha was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma. The rare and fast-growing cancer devastated the family. “We saw our kiddo almost die in our arms, said her mom Kimberly, “and then saw her fight with everything she had to beat Burkitt’s Lymphoma.” Sam’s wish trip to her favourite theme park marked a celebration point for the family . During the trip, there was no conversation about being sick or being in the hospital, Kimberly said. “All you ever want is for your child to be healthy and happy and this trip has left a profound impact on us as a family and on her,” she said. “Her smile is what we needed”. #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to visit my favourite theme park

Diagnosed with leukemia, eight-year-old Tessa-Lynn had a wish that she held close to her heart. Despite the challenges she faced, her one hope was to experience the enchantment of her favourite theme park. Her wish was granted, and it turned into a life-changing journey for her and her family. “So many memories were made,” saidf Tessa-Lynn’s mom, Amy, “and it felt like we were given an opportunity that we may very likely not have ever had otherwise.” #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish

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I wish to visit my favourite theme park

Karla holding her 7-month-old son, Theo, in her arms when his heart stopped beating. Frantically, she called emergency services, and rushed Theo to a doctor in the same building who performed CPR to save Theo’s life. Once at the hospital, Theo was diagnosed with a heart condition and he underwent an invasive implant procedure for a defibrillator and pacemaker. Today, Theo is a happy and healthy 13-year-old and takes medication to help alleviate the symptoms of his heart condition, and he also has the vibrant memories of a granted wish to keep him smiling, his wish to visit his favourite theme park having come true. ““My wish coming true was more than I could have ever imagined,” said Theo, “every moment was an incredible experience, I didn’t want to blink! #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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I wish to be weightless

“Zach”, age 17 didn’t have the usual teenager experience, having been diagnosed with lymphoma for which he had to go through a difficult period of treatments. His difficulties, however, inspired him to make a wish like no other: to experience zero gravity, which he did thanks to the Zero-G Experience® in Florida. Zack said reaching zero gravity and becoming weightless was an amazing experience. He even got to keep his custom flight suit. “To see the big smiles of course made us smile too,” said his parents, Kimberley and Brett. “As our kids are older (17 and 19), these moments when we can all be together to share something like this is precious.” #CalendarOfWishes #PowerOfAWish 

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