Chad and his family were hesitant at first in contacting the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® , as they were under the impression that the organization served children who were not doing so well medically. The family was delighted to hear that many Make-A-Wish^® children are not only coping with life-threatening illnesses, but are overcoming them. Shortly thereafter, Chad became a Make-A-Wish kid.

Chad's fascination with dolphins prompted him to decide that, as his wish, he wanted to go swimming with the dolphins.

It was a wish full of firsts for Chad. A chauffeur picked Chad up for his first limousine ride – but that marked only the beginning of Chad's experience. The young man boarded an airplane for the first time, which took him and his family to Orlando, Florida. The family enjoyed a number of activities in Orlando, but without a doubt, the highlight of the trip was Chad's visit to Discovery Cove – where he would realize his dream of swimming with the dolphins.

When Chad ventured into the water for his encounter with the dolphins, he was the very first one in his group to touch one. Chad's dolphin experience made him feel incredibly special, knowing that his one greatest wish had come true.

Even the dolphin appears to be smiling as he gave Chad a kiss.