Make-A-Wish Stories - Hi-Tech and Professional

I wish to be a zookeeeper!

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:20:47 GMT

Even though her treatments for Burkitt�s lymphoma were extremely difficult, Autumn refused to let her medical condition interfere with her love for animals. Caring for her pets and reading about zoology at every opportunity, Autumn naturally wanted to be a zookeeper for a day when it came time to make her wish.

And when she learned that she�d be going to the zoo, Autumn knew instantly what she wanted to do first: explore the zoo behind-the-scenes like a true zookeeper!

As soon as she arrived at the zoo, one of her fellow zookeepers gave her a tour of the grounds. Seeing the animals up close made Autumn feel like a true professional.

And later in the day, Autumn met with a zoologist who answered every question she could think of about her favorite animals.

She learned so much!

Thrilled with the pictures she took and the memories she made, Autumn left the zoo looking forward to her future career in zoology.

I wish to be in the Coast Guard.

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:00:45 GMT

For the first time since being diagnosed, nobody talks about Luke�s brain tumor. All Luke hears are instructions, preparations, pep talks � all to get him ready for tomorrow�s simulated helicopter rescue mission.

His first day at the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center is nearly over. Luke took the controls of a flight simulator. He learned how Coast Guard crews rescue people from the ocean. He spent time in the training pool applying all his Coast Guard hosts taught him.People from around the base have welcomed him � including an admiral who dropped in just to visit Luke and offer him a challenge coin.

Tomorrow, when his helicopter lands, hundreds of people from throughout the base will wait for him. They understand Luke. They know why his one true wish is to stand in their ranks � because they share his wish. They live it every day.

Even though Luke will soon leave for his home in Utah, he will always be part of their Coast Guard experience. And each of them has a place in the hearts of Luke and his family.

Excerpt from a note from the Coast Guard:

We truly enjoyed spending two full days with Luke and his family. Luke�s passion for the Coast Guard and big smile throughout all of the events was a huge inspiration to our members. He brought out the best in all of us. Thank you to the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® for everything that you do, and introducing us to a wonderful family.

CDR Dave Saunders
Operations Officer
USCG Aviation Training Center Mobile

I wish to be a Blue Angel.

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:01:23 GMT

Six F/A-18 Hornet fighters wait on the runway threshold. The blades of their turbines spin leisurely at idle. Buckled into the cockpits are the pilots of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron � the Blue Angels.

Sunlight beats down on the canopies. The pilots sweat, stuffed into tight-fitting g-suits. They listen for the signal from the control tower � from 8-year-old Make-A-Wish^® kid Ethan.

Ethan keys the mic, clears them for takeoff and adds �have a good one!� The whine of the engines amplifies to a ground-shaking roar. The Blue Angels make the magical transition from ground-bound to airborne.

There�s also a miraculous change in Ethan. When he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, his life revolved around hospital visits and medical treatments. His parents experienced endless worry and exhaustion. Every dream, every goal � they were all overshadowed by trying to heal. Today, that changes. Ethan dreams again.

Watching the Blue Angels in flight has Ethan spellbound. When they land, the squadron inducts him as an honorary member. The pilots present him with autographed photos.

Ethan�s experience is more than touring the Naval Aviation Museum tour, sitting in the planes, meeting the Blue Angels pilots and the support staff. The true gift is rediscovering a future of endless possibility.

I wish to meet the prime minister of Pakistan.

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 03:29:29 GMT

For Deedar, who is diagnosed with leukemia, the prime minister of Pakistan has been a symbol of hope. Deedar has closely followed his televised speeches. And his fondest wish was to meet the prime minister. Deedar was elated when he finally stepped into the same room with his country�s head of state on World Wish Day^® .

I wish to be a comic book creator.

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:02:59 GMT

Pictured above: Luke wished to create a comic book. Who could help him make it come to life?

Luke knew what it meant to be a superhero before he ever saw Spider-Man, The Hulk or Wolverine. Born with a heart defect, Luke underwent open-heart surgery when he was only five days old. His doctors estimated a mere 20 percent chance of survival, but Luke�s extraordinary strength helped him overcome the odds. Three years later, he faced another opponent when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Luke rose to the challenge, spending three years in chemotherapy that zapped his cancer into remission.

While in the hospital for chemotherapy, Luke turned to comic books for entertainment as well as inspiration. His courageous spirit was continuously revived as he read about valiant superheroes. Luke tapped his creativity during his hospital stays, thinking up stories and sketching comic book characters.

Luke stands in the shadow of the mammoth wall showcasing many of the Marvel Comics characters.

When the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Middle Tennessee offered to grant Luke�s one true wish, he had no trouble naming his wish: to create his own original comic book, have it published and share it with others. "I wanted to help kids understand they shouldn't be scared of doctors," Luke said.

Wish granters sent Luke, his brother and their parents to New York to visit the Marvel Comics headquarters. At Marvel, Luke worked with professional comic artist Ryan Dunlavey to bring his ideas to life. Luke showed Ryan his sketches; together they developed the characters and storyline for the comic book.

Luke�s comic book features an invincible superhero doctor named Dr. Shrink and his sidekick Super Shot, a boy with cancer. Luke says he modeled the sidekick character after his younger brother, Josh. Dr. Shrink and Super Shot team up to defeat an evil monster called The Virus. This villain draws his power from sick people and tries to stop them from getting the treatment they need.

Together, Ryan and Luke created the original comic book Super Shot. Luke hopes that other children will read Super Shot and be inspired by the superheroes� courage and strength � just as Luke drew inspiration from superheroes during his long stays in the hospital. He wants kids to understand that doctors are not trying to hurt them, but to save them from their illness. Luke wants kids to take on the positive, determined attitude of Super Shot: �I might be sick,� he says, �but life�s not over, and I�ll never stop fighting!�

Luke, surrounded by countless sources of inspiration for the Marvel Comics storytellers, sees firsthand the world that they live in.

Follow this link to a page featuring the video about Luke.

I wish to go to college.

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:08:18 GMT

Since Kahla, 18, was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, she has endured a total knee replacement, three lung surgeries, chemotherapy and numerous other medical procedures. During her recovery, she made a wish that will impact the rest of her life: She asked wish granters for a scholarship that would allow her to attend Columbia College Chicago. She is scheduled to start college in January of 2011 after finishing physical therapy. These are Kahla�s thoughts about overcoming cancer, the importance of family and the Make-A-Wish^® experience.

How did your life change when you were diagnosed with cancer?

When you first start out on chemo, about 99.9 percent of the time you feel nauseous. There�s no getting around it. You�re going to be bored. My parents, the doctors, the nurses � they helped me deal with it emotionally. They gave me the medical attention I needed, but they also helped me mentally. They make you feel so comfortable and at home and at ease. They take time to explain � you�ll lose your hair, your eyebrows, your eyelashes. They explain everything to you, especially when you start out so you won�t be so scared.

What was it like being away from school and your friends?

It was really difficult for me to adjust to being in the hospital � and not being in school. My teachers worked with me. They sent tutors. They�d bring my homework or my teachers would e-mail it to me. Sometimes it was hard to keep up. But they were flexible � they knew what my circumstances were. I was picky about visits from friends. I didn�t want them to visit me when I was feeling bad. I didn�t want them to be concerned instead of enjoying our time together. I�d rather see them when I was at home or go out with them, even if I was on crutches. Throughout chemo, no matter what, nail polish and shopping would always make me feel better. I don�t know what it is about nail polish and shopping, but those two things always made me feel better!

How did you decide on a scholarship as your wish?

When I got to make my wish, everyone tried to give me insights � like �think about things you�d never have a chance to do again.� My first wish was to go on a vacation somewhere outside the country. My second was to go to Fashion Week in New York. But there are so many possibilities! I decided going to college would be the best thing for me and my family. When I graduate from college, I know I�m going to be able to travel.

I�m going to major in media management. My idea is to be a personal shopper or a retail buyer for chain stores. That�s something I could do forever.

What can you tell us about your family�s support?

I�m an only child. The only other person my mother and father have to care about is a puppy, Odie. If I�m sick and asleep, you�re not getting in my world because he�s going to bark at you until you leave!

I�d just like to tell my parents thank you for everything � even before being diagnosed with cancer. Thank you for guiding me in the right direction and for always giving me positive energy and for letting me know that education and family are always going to be there and be important.

I really just want to make them happy.

I wish to be a famous singer.

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 22:19:50 GMT

Kassaundra arrived at her premiere, greeted by the delightful screams of her adoring fans.

On a sunny day in California, one little girl�s countless hours of singing and dancing in her living room paid off in a big way. Flanked by security guards, 7-year-old Kassaundra emerged from a limousine and promenaded proudly through throngs of screaming fans to attend the premiere of her very own music video.

Getting dolled up in glitter and a fancy dress was a far cry from how Kassaundra spent most of her life � in hospitals receiving treatment for a congenital heart condition. When the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® asked what her one true wish would be she knew right away: �I want to be famous!�

Prepping for Stardom

Kassaundra�s wish day included a shopping spree, voice lessons, a photo shoot and a recording session in a professional studio. The music video features �Butterfly Don�t Fly Away,� a song Kassaundra co-wrote with Leslie Noel, her vocal coach.

With the video filmed and ready to go, Kassaundra visited a local salon to have her hair and makeup done to perfection. Escorted by eight motorcycle officers, Kassaundra�s limousine delivered her onto the red carpet, where paparazzi and adoring fans waited with cameras flashing.

Kassaundra Sees Herself on the Big Screen

Inside a ballroom, the lights dimmed and Kassaundra watched her video for the first time, which featured her singing in a lush garden. Tears ran down Kassaundra�s face as she watched her music video.

At a press conference after the premiere, Kassaundra remembered all who supported her on the way to stardom: When asked if she had a lucky charm, Kassaundra credited her parents � and also her stuffed bear, CC.

Click here to watch Kassaundra�s music video.

To see behind-the-scenes footage of Kassaundra�s day on the red carpet, click here.

I wish to be a pyrotechnician at Disneyland�.

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 01:07:28 GMT

When 16-year-old Cody watches a fireworks show, he experiences it on a different level. For Cody, who was diagnosed with cancer, the elaborate preparation and precise choreography of the show are where the real magic happens.

That sort of magic is a daily occurrence at Disneyland Park where Cody wanted to see the experts at work as part of his wish to be a pyrotechnician. Make-A-Wish Foundation^® volunteers worked with the team at Disneyland Resort, an enthusiastic supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation since 1980, to make Cody�s wish come true.

Nearly 40 percent of the Foundation�s wishes involve visits to a Disney Theme Park, meeting Disney Characters, attending sporting events, or visiting TV and movie sets. Cody�s wish was an example of how a Disney wish can spark a wish kid�s creativity � and maybe even inspire a career.

Cody arrived at Disneyland Park and met Kevin, who is part of the team that coordinates the nightly fireworks shows that change with the seasons. Kevin talked in-depth with Cody about his career in pyrotechnics. The visit also included reserved viewing for Cody and his family at that evening�s performance of Fantasmic!, a nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Park.

The next day was devoted to giving Cody an insider�s view of the hard work, technical expertise and artistic vision that allows the pyrotechnics team to delight Disneyland visitors with Fantasmic! and other shows. His experience culminated with another viewing of Fantasmic!, this time with the pyrotechnics team, where Cody served as an honorary Disney pyrotechnician.

�The pyrotechnic team really made him feel like part of their family,� Cody�s mother, Toni, wrote to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. �Thank you for all you do for families like ours who have had to endure the uncertainty and fear that go with cancer and other serious illnesses.�

I wish to be a dance instructor.

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:41:40 GMT

My consults with award-winning competitive dancer, Heidi Burns, as they conceptualize the choreography for My�s dance troupe.

When 12-year-old My made a move, her dance troupe followed. With precision and enthusiasm, the young dancers raised their arms above their heads as they performed the hip-hop number that My had helped choreograph. For the hundreds of onlookers, it was a sight to behold.

As for My, she�ll have to take their word for it � she completely lost her eyesight three months before the performance. But for this brave 5th grader, who spends most of her time in a wheelchair, the music and the cheers of the crowd painted the entire picture she needed in order to know that her wish was coming true.

A brain tumor may have robbed My of her vision and ability to walk, but it didn�t dim her dream of becoming a dance instructor. With the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, My�s classmates and teachers, as well as award-winning competitive dancer Heidi Burns, My�s wish became a reality.

My celebrated her successful dance performance with a beautiful cake.

My sat in her wheelchair and smiled as her classmates � dubbed �My�s Soaring Stars� � spent two hours under Burns� instruction, preparing a routine to My�s favorite pop song. Performance time came at a school assembly later that day. As the rest of the school looked on, My sat in her wheelchair at center stage as her guidance counselor moved her arms in unison with her devoted classmates.

�These fifth-graders really stepped up to the bat, and they were willing to learn something new,� Burns told The Orange County Register. �They did a great job, and they did it for [My].�

It is a struggle for My to communicate verbally, but when handed the microphone after the performance, she just had one simple statement: �Thank you for everything.�

I wish to be a horse doctor.

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 20:12:07 GMT

Eight-year-old Jessie�s passion is apparent from the stacks of pictures she draws � always of horses. A caring and compassionate child, Jessie has a special sparkle in her eye when she talks about the day she her wish to be a horse doctor came true.

Jessie�s favorite hobbies of drawing and playing with horse toys are often interrupted by doctor�s visits for treatment of her brain tumor. When she�s in the hospital, Jessie often visits other children who are in pain and talks to them, telling them not to be scared and that �everything will be all right.�

Her love of horses and compassionate nature combined when Jessie declared her most heartfelt wish of being a veterinarian for horses. So, she spent her wish day looking at ultrasounds of pregnant mares, giving treats to several horses and visiting stables. She even rode Scotch, a horse known as �the gentle giant.� And her wish lived on � Jessie received horseback riding lessons after her wish day.

Jessie's mom, Alisa, said the wish experience brightened Jessie�s life. �It was like Jessie was in heaven the whole day,� Alisa said. �I have never seen her so happy. I got to see her smile like she used to smile, before the tests, before the surgery, before the chemotherapy.�

I wish to be a Coast Guard rescue swimmer.

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:03:53 GMT

Jaeda, with some of her gear, gets some helpful tips.

Anyone might be daunted by jumping from a helicopter into churning ocean waters � especially anyone who�s acquainted with unpredictable health and the fragility of life.

But it didn�t faze Jaeda.

Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth, 18-year-old Jaeda is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. For awhile, she�d settled on being an astronaut. But thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® and the U.S. Coast Guard, those plans may be changing.

In June 2009, Jaeda�s wish to be a Coast Guard rescue swimmer came true at the USCG Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama. During the two days she spent with seasoned rescue swimmers, Jaeda trained at the controls of a helicopter flight simulator and practiced rescue techniques in full Coast Guard gear.

But the highlight of her experience came when she flew out in a helicopter for an actual rescue-swimmer training mission. �It�s just so exciting � jumping out of a helicopter,� Jaeda said. �We had practiced being hooked up to the harness in the hangar earlier in the day, but I never could have imagined how exhilarating it actually was to be lowered out of a helicopter into the ocean.�

To top off an amazing wish experience, the Coast Guard presented Jaeda with her own flight suit, a personalized name badge and rescue-swimmer gear. She even received an official title: Honorary Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer. �Maybe after I get my degree I�ll go into the Coast Guard to be a pilot,� she said after the wish. �This really has opened a lot of doors for me.�

I wish to have a voice.

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:00:21 GMT

More than anything, 9-year-old Dalton wanted to have a voice. Born with a neurological disorder, Dalton struggled to communicate as the illness�s side effects � seizures, speech problems and loss of nerve function � took their toll.

Dalton never let his illness stop him from living his life and enjoying the things he loves, like being read to, listening to Shania Twain and playing games with talking devices. However, as Dalton got older, his desire to communicate with his family grew even stronger.

When volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® visited Dalton and his family to discuss his one true wish, he and his family requested a special speech device that will allow him to communicate. When Dalton�s speech device arrived, he and his family were overjoyed. �There are no words to explain what it means,� said Dalton�s mom. �It�s going to change our lives � it has already in the two weeks he�s had it.�

Using a touch screen with pictures and words, Dalton can select what he wants to say and the device then verbalizes it for him � thank you, please and I love you, to name a few. Dalton is working closely with his speech therapist to fully master his new device. His reaction to his wish being granted? His mom could voice that one for him: �It�s a dream come true. Isn�t it, baby?�

I wish to be a pilot.

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:11:35 GMT

Navy Rear Admiral Mark Fox rarely gets a chance to meet new pilots. He spends most of his time facing the formidable task of commanding the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center at Naval Air Station Fallon, home to the famous TOPGUN program.

But Admiral Fox recently scheduled time for one recruit � 7-year-old Brett, who is diagnosed with a soft-tissue cancer. Brett�s visit to NAS Fallon was part of granting his wish to be a pilot.

Every 40 minutes, the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. And each of these wishes come true thanks to caring volunteers and generous supporters. You can donate today to share the power of a wish^® with courageous kids like Brett.

Navy Continues Wish-Granting Tradition

Turning Brett�s high-flying wish into reality also involved Navy personnel. The men and women serving in all branches of the armed forces have proven to be enthusiastic wish granters, and NAS Fallon�s staff upheld that tradition.

Brett�s experience started with helping raise the flag. He also received his own flag before meeting with Admiral Fox, a decorated and experienced pilot.

�He doesn't really understand the concept of ranks, but the time Rear Admiral Mark Fox spent with us was a big surprise and very generous,� Brett�s mother, Adele, told Navy journalists.

Brett Takes Control of the Viper Simulator

Brett�s talk with the admiral set the stage for the rest of his day. He wore his own custom flight jacket as he inspected supersonic fighters, surveillance planes and helicopters with Commander Paul Olin, TOPGUN director. Commander Olin then escorted Brett to a rare and amazing experience � the chance to fly an F-16 Viper simulator. Brett took the controls, which are an exact replica of the Viper�s cockpit.

The second day of Brett�s wish was equally thrilling: He met instructors from the Navy Sea, Air and Land Forces (SEALs), toured the Joint Close Air Support building and watched the carefully orchestrated air operations from the air operations tower.

Smiles All Around for Brett�s Navy Friends

Brett�s two-day Navy experience gave him incredible memories and the reassurance that people care about him � even if they�ve just met him for the first time. And he passed his joy along to the people who made it possible for his wish to come true.

�We were very happy to have the chance to host Brett and his family,� said Chief Operations Specialist Wes Plount, a TOPGUN staff member, in a Navy publication. �The look on his face and in his eyes while he was in the F-16 simulator put smiles on the faces of everyone in the room.�

By Justin Schmid

I wish to be a high-fashion model.

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:05:05 GMT

Rebecca and her furry friend sit for the photographers.

When Rebecca was a little girl, she knew she wanted to be a model when she grew up. She loved getting decked out and doing her own hair and makeup, then propping her camera in the corner and using the self-timer to create her own fashion shoots. �It�s always been my dream to be a model,� she said.

Fast forward to January 2010 and you find Rebecca in a prestigious fashion studio in New York City, wearing designer threads and posing for professional photographers. The chic scene is a stark contrast to the hospital rooms where Rebecca spent a good portion of her teenage years, being treated for a brain tumor.

It took nearly two years from the time she made her wish for Rebecca to be ready for the trip to New York. The photo shoot took place at Milk Studios, where Make-A-Wish^® National Fashion Ambassador Mary Alice Stephenson and Teen Vogue staff came together to grant Rebecca�s life-long wish of becoming a high-fashion model. �With everything I�ve gone through, they just want me to have a day to myself, where I can be pampered, where I don�t have to worry,� Rebecca said. �It�s my day.�

Teen Vogue stylists, along with hair and makeup artists, dressed Rebecca up from head to toe in trendy styles for her fashion shoot. Her sister, Elizabeth, also posed for some of the photos. Their mom, Deborah, was amazed at everything Teen Vogue and the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® did to make Rebecca�s wish come true. �This experience is just phenomenal,� she said.

Rebecca strikes a glamorous pose.

Teen Vogue surprised Rebecca by allowing her to keep all the shoes, clothes and accessories she wore during her fashion shoot. She plans to donate some of the items to underprivileged girls in need of prom dresses and accessories. �It�s pretty amazing to be here,� Rebecca said. �It�s like a dream, and I�m waiting to wake up.�

View photos and a video from Rebecca�s fashion shoot here.

I wish to be a rock star.

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:13:31 GMT

Omar, a driven 9-year-old from Apex, N.C., has a love for guitars and aspirations of becoming a rock star. His greatest desire is to wow a crowd with his guitar playing. But he just needs a few lessons to get his dream started.

Omar, who is diagnosed with a rare multi-system genetic condition, began his rock-star wish in style when a white limousine pulled up to his house, completely surprising him. The driver took Omar to �Locals, Guitars and Music�, where his wish granters, the store staff and good friends were waiting for him. Omar walked in to the store and laid his eyes on a brand-new cherry-red Washburn electric guitar, including everything he needed to be a rock star: amps, speakers, a guitar case, stand and eight guitar lessons. To top it all off, Omar received his very own rock-star sunglasses to finish the look.

Omar was thrilled when his journey toward mastering the six-string began. He was very attentive to his instructor, absorbing everything he could about making music with his new guitar. As soon as he got home, he played his first concert for his family. He told his mother that he wanted to thank the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® for everything its volunteers did to make his fondest wish come true.

Omar arrives in style at �Locals, Guitars and Music,� where his wish granters, family and friends were waiting to grant his rock star wish.

I wish to be a model for a day.

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 00:07:43 GMT

Makeup and hair stylists prepare Gabbi for her photo shoot.

When Gabbi made her wish to be a model for a day, she had something simple in mind. �What she wanted was to have her photo taken while wearing different clothes,� recalled Lynda, one of Gabbi�s wish granters.

�What she got was that � and a lot more!�

Gabbi has a congenital birth defect, oculoauricular dysplasia (also known as Goldenhar syndrome), which can include growth problems in vital organs and underdevelopment of ears, nose and other facial features. As an infant facing a lifetime of corrective surgeries, Gabbi was adopted by Helene, a single mom.

On the eve of her wish experience, Gabbi and her mother traveled by limo to the doorstep of Seattle�s posh Hotel 1000. There they spent the rest of the night enjoying the hotel�s luxurious amenities, including their favorite � a bathtub that filled from the ceiling.

Meanwhile, Gabbi�s wish granters worked with Kathy, Macy�s local store representative, and prepared an incredible wish. The next morning on the drive to the beauty salon, Gabbi received gift bags from Macy�s containing clothes, jewelry and skin care products.

Red Carpet, Paparazzi and Lots of Fans

After a stylish cut and color � Gabbi chose red highlights � she headed to Macy�s in the limo for her photo shoot. When she arrived, Gabbi was surrounded by bodyguards in dark suits who escorted her inside. A throng of fans and autograph seekers waited to cheer her on. �All of this came as a complete surprise, and at first Gabbi was shocked and a bit overwhelmed,� Lynda said. �But she really loved the attention!�

Gabbi strikes a glamour pose for the photographer.

In the studio, the first thing Gabbi noticed were the people wearing bright red �Gabbi�s Fan Club� T-shirts. Kathy�s T-shirt proclaimed her as �Gabbi�s Personal Assistant.� And Gabbi�s personal stylist had pulled together racks of clothing from which she could choose. Once she�d selected her outfits and matching accessories, a professional makeup artist completed Gabbi�s fantastic new look. She was finally ready for her close-ups, striking new poses with each outfit change.

�The Macy�s people were patient and fun and treated Gabbi like a princess � she couldn�t have asked for anything more!� Lynda said.

Off to the Dance

To her surprise and delight, Gabbi was able to choose five full outfits to keep. She also received her director�s chair and even some �Gabbi�s Fan Club� T-shirts for her friends.

Presenting Gabbi � the new Macy�s supermodel!

When the whirlwind day of modeling was over and she�d said her goodbyes and collected all her loot, Gabbi and her mom headed home. Then, the newly glamorous and confident Gabbi and her friends were taken by limo to her school Valentine�s Day dance.

A feature in The Seattle Times and a segment on KING 5 Evening Magazine followed, turning Gabbi into a star at school. People even stopped Gabbi in the grocery store when they recognized her.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation^® and Macy�s ensured that Gabbi won�t forget a moment of her wish. Two weeks later, they presented her with a photograph album, complete with 8-by-10 professional photos of her fashion-filled day in the spotlight.

I wish to drive a boat on Lake Superior.

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:17:42 GMT

There is always one place that can raise Elliot�s spirits: Duluth, Minnesota.

After he was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 2 � years old, Elliot�s parents would take him to Duluth�s Canal Park near the shore of Lake Superior. Watching the boats and the lift bridges was always a respite from his debilitating chemotherapy treatments.

Though Elliot and his family moved away, he never forgot those happy moments watching ships and hearing the sounds of horns blaring over the water. He told volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Minnesota that his fondest wish was to drive one of those boats near his birthplace in Duluth.

The Shipping News

Angela King-Jones, wish coordinator for the chapter, called Duluth�s mayor to ask permission to grant Elliot�s wish. The story immediately caught the community�s imagination. The mayor was happy to help, and the staff came up with creative ways to fulfill and enhance the boy�s wish. �The community really rallied around Elliot and his family,� King-Jones said. �The mayor granted special permission for Elliot to blow the horn at the lift bridge.�

Elliot and his family boarded the tour boat Vista Star. Captain Chris, who they knew from previous excursions, gave them a warm greeting. He and his crew gave Elliot the VIP treatment and presented him with his own captain�s hat. And the captain let Elliot sound the horn requesting the bridge lift. Under the captain�s supervision, Elliot piloted the ship past the bridge. Everyone celebrated with a pizza party aboard the Vista Star.

Bring on the Noise

At the massive Aerial Lift Bridge (one of Elliot�s favorite maritime attractions), Elliot climbed into the control booth where bridge Supervisor Ryan Beamer let him push the big black button as many times as he wanted. The blasts startled tourists, commuters and seagulls out of their daily routines. With every blast of the horn, Elliot�s smile got even wider.

Many Duluth residents already knew what was happening � the local media had written about his unusual wish. So every blast of the horn gave them a reason to smile, too.

Thanks for the Memories

Sara and Aron, Elliot�s parents, were thrilled with the warm reception the family experienced in Duluth. Part of Elliot�s wish included staying at the South Pier Inn so he could have an up-close view of the ships passing under the bridge. �So many people helped us to be present during our trip and to spend time as a family � and to make Elliot�s trip such a magical time,� they wrote in a thank-you letter published in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Elliot also rode in the locomotive of a train, visited local landmarks including the Duluth Children�s Museum and Great Lakes Aquarium, and enjoyed a meal at the New Scenic Caf�.

Elliot is now in a three-year maintenance phase of treatment and is doing very well, according to his parents.

I wish to be a supermodel.

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:31:11 GMT

Kalie returns to the stage with the other models for an encore.

For Kalie, being diagnosed with sickle cell anemia means she�ll always have to be monitored and treated to manage its symptoms. She doesn�t know when the next bout of pain, infections and anemia are coming.

Though that�s a hard burden for a teenager to face, Kalie now draws on the memory of her Make-A-Wish� experience when she was 13 to stay positive and upbeat.

First Step to a Wish Come True

Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, a pediatric oncologist who treats Kalie, often refers kids like her for wishes. He�s convinced the wish experience is a positive force in the lives of kids with life-threatening medical conditions.

After he referred Kalie, wish granters visited her to learn her one true wish � to be a supermodel. Her choice wasn�t a surprise to Dr. Bernstein.

�She�s always been very stylish � and very smart!� he said.

A Taste of the Supermodel Life

Supermodel wishes are popular for many Make-A-Wish teens. Wish granters drew from their experience to create an amazing day for Kalie. Her day started with a limousine ride to her modeling lesson, followed by a trip to the studio for a photo shoot.

The enthusiastic staff at Macy�s in the Las Vegas Fashion Show Mall also readied her for the runway, helping her select several outfits for a fashion show to follow later in the day. A team of Macy�s experts also gave her a makeover.

�It was awesome to be pampered and fussed over by everyone,� Kalie said.

She even had bodyguards to keep pesky paparazzi at bay during her makeup session. Kalie didn�t let the fame go to her head, though � she took time out of her day for lunch with her friends.

Kalie�s Future Brightens

Soon, it was time for Kalie to take to the mall�s fashion runway, complete with spectacular lighting and billboard-sized video screens that showed off Kalie�s bright smile. The entire day had built up to her modeling debut, and she was thrilled by the flash of cameras and applause from her friends, family and fans.

Though her time on the runway was soon over, Michael E. Minden Diamond Jewelers presented her with a watch as a keepsake of her modeling debut. According to Kalie, everything exceeded her expectations. From the time she made her wish, she felt her spirits lift as she had something other than sickle cell anemia to think about.

�Focusing on the future was exactly the medicine I needed,� she said.

Dr. Bernstein is the first to agree. He saw that Kalie, who was always a bit shy during her visits, seemed more spirited and outgoing after her wish came true.

�She has a better outlook on life,� he said of the now 15-year-old, �and a better outlook on the future.�

I wish to be in the military.

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:15:25 GMT

When 6-year-old Andrew�s wish came true, he felt right at home. Everyone was wearing camouflage, just as he often does.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation^® arranged for him to spend a day among people he idolizes � the men and women who serve in the armed forces. All four branches of the U.S. military, active, Reserve & National Guard, worked together to give Andrew an incredible day among their ranks.

Andrew, who is diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, lives just 30 minutes from March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, Calif. He and his family reported bright and early in March 2009 for his wish.

Reporting for Duty

The day started with a visit to the base Falcons, who keep the runway cleared of smaller birds. Then it was off to a tour a C-17 transport plane - Air Force personnel made Andrew feel like part of the crew with a flight suit, helmet and helmet bag. They also pinned aviator�s wings to his new uniform. This C-17 plane was even more special because it was stopping at March on a training mission from Travis Air Force Base.

Andrew then met a detachment of Marines bound for Camp Pendleton. The Marines decided he needed more than a flight suit � they prepared a uniform fitted just for him and made him an honorary Sergeant Major. Many of the Marines even joked with Andrew saying he�d only been there for five minutes and had more ranks than they�d received in 10 years.

Andrew meets Marines on their way to Camp Pendleton.

The Army and Navy were also eager to meet Andrew. One long-serving soldier was so pleased to meet Andrew that he gave him a collection of coins and medals that he�d collected over nearly 40 years. The Navy also had Andrew decked out in uniform and let him sit in the captain�s chair of a rigid-hulled inflatable boat. Plus, the Navy Sea Cadets showed off their �armory� and let Andrew target practice with their computerized shooting range.

�He was just having fun,� said his mother, Diane.

On the Flight Line and Beyond

Up next was Andrew�s favorite part � seeing all the military hardware up-close. Diane said he loved being able to get inside and look around. He saw everything from a supersonic F-16 fighter to a huge KC-135 airborne tanker. Though he couldn�t climb inside, the unmanned Predator drone also fascinated Andrew.

Andrew�s hosts weren�t ready to call it a day. They showed him inside fire trucks and military police cars before he climbed inside a Humvee. After that, it was time for Andrew�s return to civilian life.

Andrew takes the captain's chair.

Overwhelming Effort for a Courageous Kid

Hundreds of military personnel had a hand in granting Andrew�s wish. And no matter what uniform they wore, they were all united in that day�s mission � bringing joy to one courageous kid.

The armfuls of souvenirs and pictures will make sure that Andrew always remembers his �day in the military� wish � and the dedicated people in uniform who made it possible.

�It was nice. I didn�t think they�d do that much for him,� Diane said. �Then I cried!�

Photos by Staff Sgt. Angel Gallardo

-Justin Schmid

I wish to go to Mississippi and help rebuild a day care center.

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:18:22 GMT

Dozens of volunteers pitched in for Elise�s wish to clean, paint and redecorate the daycare�s walls.

There is a day care center in a small Mississippi Gulf Coast town where children celebrate their very special patron � Elise, a 12-year-old girl whose fondest wish was granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® . Elise could have asked for a vacation, a computer, a celebrity visit or a horse. Instead, she wished to help children whose lives were turned upside down in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Elise was a happy, healthy girl who enjoyed school, sports and horseback riding until 2006, when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

While Elise was being treated, Hurricane Katrina was in the news. She learned that the storm damaged the Total Child Learning Center in Ocean Springs, Miss., affecting the lives of nearly 20 children ages 2-11. Elise thought to herself, �If the doctors can fix what�s wrong with me, maybe I can fix what�s wrong with this day care center.� A wish was born, and Make-A-Wish^® volunteers immediately went to work.

When Elise and her family arrived in Mississippi, they were greeted by a crowd of well-wishers holding signs and balloons. But Elise was shocked and saddened by the devastation. So much of the town had not yet been rebuilt. She knew then she�d come to the right place to make her wish as meaningful as possible.

More than 100 volunteers contributed to work parties that stretched from Friday through Sunday. Elise laid linoleum and painted cubbies. Aided by the manager of the local Lowe�s, day care workers and volunteers from nearby Keesler Air Force Base, her reconstruction project took shape. Some of the day care�s children and their parents came to lend a hand. After the finishing touches were put on the work, Elise and her family were treated to some well-earned rest.

On Monday, the final day of Elise�s wish experience, she arrived at the center for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The kids were happy and excited � running around on their new floor, drawing on the cool chalkboard tables and trying on funny costumes.

Elise has vivid memories of the children � and they have not forgotten her kindness. They stay in touch, and the kids still talk about the girl with the brown curly hair and big smile who brought a huge measure of hope, strength and joy to their lives.