Gilberto, 11, and his brother Juan Daniel, 9, have always had a closer relationship than most siblings. When most children have been outside playing ball, riding bikes, swimming and playing, Juan Daniel and Gilberto have had to share playtime indoors. Their very rare skin disease, epidermolysis bullosa, has forced them out of the sunlight and heat. Because they live in the southernmost part of Texas, that means they can seldom go outside. The brothers were not only confined inside their home, but also to their bedroom, which was the only (somewhat) air-conditioned room in their house. Day after day with no change of scenery got monotonous for them.
When they were offered the chance to have their one true wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Rio Grande Valley, they started thinking of things to enjoy within their home: their own television, DVD player, game consoles and more. But by far the most important wish for both of them was to have air conditioning throughout their home. They longed for the freedom to roam the house and visit with family and friends without always waiting for the world to come to them.
That freedom soon came while they enjoyed some time at their favorite restaurant, Peter Piper Pizza, surrounded by nearly 50 family members and friends. As the boys ate pizza and played games, a team of experts installed air conditioning in their house to make it cooler by the minute. Juan Daniel and Gilberto arrived home to find they each had their own little electronics headquarters with all they had wished for – and more. Thanks to Quitman Moon and Luxaire’s partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Juan Daniel and Gilberto now have fun-filled days in air-conditioned comfort.
Inspired Thoughts
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This is such a sweet and inspiring story. Most people take having air conditioning for granted. i saw many wishes on this site, but this was one of the simpler ones. All Gilberto and Juan Daniel wanted was some cool air since they are confined inside. They seem like such sweet boys and I'm glad their wish could come true. i hope they get better.
- anonymous
02/22/2008
22:42
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This breaks my heart! I cried upon reading this. I hope these children have the greatest childhood and are able to enjoy their new indoor cooling.
- Lori
01/30/2008
14:55
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That is amazing that instead of getting something like a TV or a computer, they got something that could benefit the entire family. WOW
- Taylor
03/19/2008
11:18
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This is somewhat sad! The poor children can't go outside. But this beautiful Foundation can set them free. Now they can do simple things we take for granted; like going into the kitchen when you're hungry. That's our instinct, yet for them, it's something they can't do. Thank you Make-A-Wish Foundation, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
- Stephanie
06/08/2008
20:13
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My mother works as a nurse at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital in dermatology and in the EB clinic. I have been around children who suffer from this disease and when I read they didn't have an air conditioner it broke my heart. I think it is wonderful they were given an air conditioner and more.
- Megan
07/02/2008
16:45
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The simplest wishes can often be the most touching. My little sister has EB as well and I understand fully what a relief it is to have air conditioning.
- David
09/09/2008
9:08
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Cool site.
- Rob
10/03/2009
1:36
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Such small of a wish from two little angels with big hearts. May you both continue to receive God's blessings. Thanks to the good people of Make-A-Wish Foundation; may you continue to grow with your gifts of Love.
- Maybelline
05/04/2009
19:21
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Thats so sad. I always have air conditioning and they don't. Aww, =[ I wish I could have helped.
- Kaielia
04/26/2009
17:20
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I use to live in Texas and I know what the weather is like. I am so stunned that all they wanted was some cool air as a child, but when suffering in there case it is a blessing from heaven. I am so happy there wish was granted and so sad of what these children go threw as being a parent of one of my own. God Bless Make-A-Wish
- Jessica
03/22/2009
11:25
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Aww, that's sweet for them to ask for air conditioning that not only benefitted them, but the whole household. Hope you guys enjoy the air.
- Rhonda
03/17/2009
18:32
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This wish moved me to tears. I admire these two boys for such a simple, yet much needed wish. I will be joining my boyfriend in Disney World for his wish in just one week. I'm very excited and I couldn't thank this foundation enough!
- Kim
12/03/2008
23:51
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This is the very story that has spurred me to do the Make-A-Wish Foundation. While it isn't life-threatening, EB must be a difficult skin condition to live with.
- Maggie
11/09/2009
17:11
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THIS WISH WAS UNSELFISH AND IAM HAPPY TO WORK FOR A COPANY THAT SUPPORTS MAKE A WISH YEAR-ROUND.THIS WISH FROM PEOPLE SO LITTLE MADE ME CRY,AND IAM NOT ONE FOR TEARS.IAM GLAD THEY GOT THIER WISH.MAKES YOU THANKFULL FOR THE LITTLE THINGS YOU DO HAVE.
- RENEE
11/10/2009
9:40
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This is so sweet. Such a inspirational story.
- Mercedes
07/18/2010
10:08
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I have inherited EB disease myself and have also passed it on to my children . However i have the milder form. I know just how much this mild form hurts so i can not imagine their pain of having a sever form, I am so touched by the way you have given these precious boys a new outlook on life by allowing them to roam in a nice cool environment, and enjoy their time. Make-A-Wish Foundation and all its chapters, you are wonderful.
- Margaret Jakosh
08/12/2011
14:21
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I just wanted to say that I also have the same disease and that its really hard to live without AC but ThankGod we have one in our home
- ariana
10/14/2011
19:58
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