Jessica, Age: 12
“Wished to Have a Game Room”
Jessica is a brave 12-year-old who is battling a brain tumor. She has an enormous sweet tooth and loves anything that is purple or pink. Just as sweet as the cupcakes she loves so much, Jessica smiled and laughed as she was asked about her most heartfelt wish. Wanting to escape from the reality of her illness, this young lady asked to have a brand new game room fashioned in her house. She wanted to have a place specifically created for leaving burdens behind. A place to play games, watch movies and relax.
When volunteers were finished decorating and preparing Jessica’s game room, it was time for the unveiling at her wish presentation party. She anxiously waited outside of the room. As she stepped into the bright new room, Jessica was captured by the glow of colors. Bright pinks and purples were displayed around the room as beautiful new decorations framed her new giant flat-screen TV and videogame gear. This precious little fighter covered her mouth to keep from squealing with joy as she took in the splendor. She was also surprised to see a brand new foosball table in the corner.
Jessica will never forget her wish day, and will remember it with every moment she spends in her brand new game room – her very own haven.
Austin H., Age: 14
“Wished to Have Tuition for High School”
Irvine, CA – Austin is an intelligent and active young man who plans to become a professional athlete when he grows up. Because he is interested in his education and his sports career, he decided that he wanted to attend Orange Lutheran High School since they have an outstanding academic and athletic record. When Austin was thinking about his wish, he knew he wanted something practical that would help him in his future endeavors. For his most heartfelt wish he wanted to receive funding to help pay for his high school tuition.
On the day of his wish presentation, Austin and his family went to his favorite restaurant, the Elephant Bar, for a celebratory meal. No fanfare was needed to make him any happier than he already was when he was told he would receive funding to attend Orange Lutheran High School. Austin told everyone that he was excited for the first day of school because he was looking forward to playing football, basketball and running on the track team.
It is often the simple things in life that make us the most grateful. Austin is very thankful for the opportunity to be able to go to the high school of his choice. He talks to his family about his daily activities and how much he is enjoying school. Austin is glad that the fulfillment of his wish will ultimately bring him one step closer to achieving his dreams.
Brielle M., Age: 12
“Wished to Go on a Disney Cruise”
Yorba Linda, CA – Brielle loves vanilla cake and the color pink. In school she enjoys studying science, and she loves listening to music by her favorite Disney artists. By all accounts, Brielle is a typical young girl. However, she was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and this, of course, caused a dramatic shift in her life. When the time came for Brielle to make her wish, her eyes lit up as she expressed that she wanted to go on a Disney Cruise. Unfortunately, due to Brielle’s cancer every time her wish date would arrive, she would not be strong enough to travel. After two years of medical ups-and-downs, she was ready to go on her wish.
Brielle, along with her family, arrived in Orlando to board the Disney Cruise destined for the Bahamas. For the next several days, they enjoyed nightly entertainment, sun-filled days on the ship’s deck, and interactions with many Disney characters, including Donald and Daisy Duck, as well as Mickey Mouse. From the beginning to end the cruise was everything Brielle dreamt it would be and more.
Back at home, Brielle continues to study science, eat vanilla cake, and listen to her favorite Disney artists. Now she has something extra to smile about, though. The memories she made with her family are a permanent reminder of the joy life promises. They brought peace for the moment and continue to provide. Brielle hope for a happier tomorrow. Her parents are so thankful for the Make-A-Wish trip they were able to experience as a family. They will forever be grateful to Foam Concepts who gifted their daughter with this trip…it was a dream come true for Brielle.
Sean A., Age: 18
“Wished to Go to Hawaii”
Lake Forest, CA – Sean is a courageous and admirable young man, currently living with brain cancer. Sean has an older sister and a twin brother. He and his brother are extremely active in boy scouts and as a result are extremely adventurous and outdoorsy. When our wish granters met with Sean, he wanted to wish for something that would allow him to both spend time with his family and go fishing. Wanting something different than the traditional camping trips he went on so often through the boy scouts, Sean decided upon a Hawaiian getaway.
A wish party was thrown for Sean in the comfort of his home with his family and wish granters present. Pizza and drinks were had, and Sean was not only presented with his wish trip itinerary, but a backpack filled with a few essentials for his trip. He received two Active brand t-shirts, a Make-A-Wish t-shirt, and a tackle box filled with bait, hooks, and a brand new Penn 500L Reel! Needless to say, Sean was quite pleased.
It was finally time for Sean and his family to depart on their Hawaiian getaway! Once there, the family went site seeing, hung out at the beach where they swam and snorkeled, went parasailing, and rode ATV’s. But Sean’s favorite part of the whole trip was when they all went out on an early morning fishing charter aboard the “Catch’em” where they saw some intense sport fishing. Sean not only had an amazing time, but he caught some big fish along the way. He and his family are very thankful to Make-A-Wish for giving them this wonderful opportunity they will not soon forget.
With heartfelt thanks to Foam Concepts, Inc. for their generous contributions to
Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Orange County and the Inland Empire
