“ I wished to become a magician ”
Q: Why did you choose this wish?
"The Amazing Rodini" paired with "The Amazing Luigi" to perform a magic show for the children at St. Joseph's Hospital.
A: I wanted to go back to the hospitals and give the kids something to smile about, something to get their minds off of the smell of gloves and off of the pain from all the medication. I wanted to see them SMILE.
Q: What was one of your favorite memories from the wish?
A: Wow, there were so many!!! Perhaps the best was the show I did at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The look on the faces of all of those kids was priceless. It was as if they had forgotten everything that was going on at the hospital and were able to relax and smile.
Q: What's your medical diagnosis now?
A: Praise God, I have been in remission for seven years and my health is just fantastic.
Q: What are some of the highlights of your life now?
A: I am now playing basketball for Lindenwood University, and I am on track to graduate in May of 2009.
Q: What did your wish mean to you?
Today, Rodney attends and plays basketball for Lindenwood University. He has been in remission for 7 years!
A: My wish was a wish that I was able to share with so many people. It gave me the opportunity to see people amazed and to see people forget about the troubles of life, and it has helped in the development of my character. It made a huge contribution to my public speaking ability and it also let me know that it is ok to mess up in front of people too.
Q: What do you want to tell people about the Make-A-Wish Foundation?
A: Thank you so, so, so much for the love and commitment that you displayed towards me, and thank you for doing the work that so many people often overlook. Your work does not go unnoticed in my eyes or the eyes of my family. Thank you again and again and again. I truly love and appreciate all that Make-A-Wish stands for.
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Rodney,
You are a true blessing in the eyes of God as he obviously put you on this earth to share your loving personality and talent with kids. I have known you since you were young and what an inspiring young man you have turned out to be. Your time on this earth was not ready to come to an end and I know you will be a very successful adult because the world is ready to hear your story. You Mom is also such a wonderful person, she has done a great job raising you. James and I are very proud of you and of course Jay and Kobe... Love, the McGees
- Barbara 06/26/2008 14:14 -
Hi, Rodney:
I don't know you, but I saw your picture on the Make-A-Wish site, and had to read your story! I just want to wish you the best of luck in your future, and I'm sure that you were, and still are. . . an amazing magician!
- Linda 08/03/2008 23:47 -
Hey there! How is the GREAT Rodini?!
This is Jon, I was on your wish team. I too loved your show at St. Josephs and seeing the faces of all the kids. I also loved having you as the "warm up act" for our other wish kid, Gavin the Rock Star. I am happy to hear about your college and basketball. Drop me a line when you get a chance. jchammondinvestments@gmail.com
- Jon 10/08/2008 16:23 -
Hi Rodney,
I have never once been on this website before but after seeing what this organization has done for people around the world I needed to find out more. I've read through quite a few of the stories now and yours truly made my heart pour out. You are an amazing person and I hope that you live a healthy and prosperous life.
I don't know you, but I already love you!
Take Care
Matt
- Matthew Palsson 09/25/2009 19:04 -
Hi Rodney
When my brother was fighting cancer we were highly involved in Make a Wish. I remeber seeing kids faces light up when they saw special things kind of like what you did. You made those kids smile and I think that is great.
- amy 03/05/2010 22:16
