Make-A-Wish

Ever since I was eight years old, I’ve been captivated by London. The city’s ancient history fascinated me, as did its iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. I was also drawn to the unique aspects of British culture, from afternoon tea to pubs, the monarchy, and the fashion. London quickly became a place I longed to visit, and it became my ultimate dream.

I first learned about the Make-A-Wish foundation during one of my clinic appointments at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. At that time, my parents were hesitant to
let me travel internationally due to my heart condition, and they were understandably concerned about receiving medical treatment in a foreign country. At the time, my doctors were planning a third surgery to repair my heart when I was older, so I decided to wait
before pursuing my wish. But as my heart failure worsened, I feared I might never get the chance to travel to London.

Then came my heart transplant. Afterward, the hospital’s social worker asked if I had ever received a wish. I explained that I hadn't and told her London was my dream destination. Without hesitation, she responded, "Absolutely!"

To be eligible for a Make-A-Wish, you need to be between the ages of 2.5 and 18 and diagnosed with a critical illness. Referrals can come from a variety of sources, including the child, their family, or the medical professionals treating them. In my case, my heart
transplant team referred me, and after assessing my medical history, Make-A-Wish confirmed I met the criteria. Their team soon contacted my family and me to begin planning my wish to visit London.

The Make-A-Wish process began in the spring of 2015. Cedarville University hosted a baseball game to help fundraise for my wish, and it was there that I learned about the full scope of what my trip would entail. 

days before my departure. My pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Dillon, and his echocardiogram technician, Teresa, joined my family and friends to celebrate this special moment.

In the summer of 2016, at the age of 16, I finally made my dream trip to London. It was the perfect time to go, and I was overwhelmed with anticipation and excitement! On my first day, my family and I took a VIP tour of the Tower of London. We marveled at the Crown
Jewels and learned about the castle’s fascinating history.

Another highlight was touring Buckingham Palace. During the summer months, parts of the palace, including the State Rooms, are open to the public. We explored the opulent rooms, admiring priceless artwork, stunning chandeliers, and lavish furnishings, all while learning about the history and traditions of the British monarchy. One of my favorite spots were the beautiful palace gardens, which even included a large lake. As we walked through the gardens, I spotted a Canada goose. It made me laugh—it was like running into a neighbor while on vacation! I jokingly asked, "What are you doing here? Don’t you have enough lawns to take over back home?" The tour guide explained that the goose was actually a gift to the Queen.

London offered so much more—shopping, dining, and exploration. We toured The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, experienced a traditional afternoon tea at the Sketch, visited St. Paul’s Cathedral, and took a ride on the London Eye for a breathtaking view of the city. We also visited Abbey Road and the famous Beatles studio, explored Piccadilly Circus (a smaller version of Times Square), and dined at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a historic pub rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire of London.

Undergoing a heart transplant is life-changing in every way, and the challenges are not just physical but emotional as well. My Make-A-Wish experience gave me a sense of hope and joy during a difficult period, providing a much-needed break from medical struggles. It
reminded me that, despite all the hardships, life still has beautiful moments to offer. Traveling to London with my family created unforgettable memories, strengthening our bonds and reinforcing our shared love and support. It also empowered me, giving me
control over my experience and showing me that resilience is possible even in the face of adversity.

Ultimately, Make-A-Wish gave me more than just a trip; it gave me a sense of being valued and loved. It was a powerful reminder that no child—no person at all—should ever feel alone in their journey. Through this experience, I discovered the importance of hope, and how even in the toughest times, a single wish can change everything.

Make-A-Wish gave me hope and strength when I needed it most. Though I’m 25 now, I’ll never forget the life-changing impact of my wish. You can help bring that same joy to another child’s life.

Donate to Make-A-Wish