Wish Alum Christopher
Wish alum Christopher was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2010, when he was a high school senior. Initially, doctors thought he might have only a few months to live. When he learned he was eligible for a wish, Christopher knew he wanted to meet his favorite baseball team. Christopher turned his frustrations into motivation and fought hard to survive. Eleven years after his wish, he is a healthy 29-year-old and has a young son, Alexander.
How was your wish experience?
It all started in 2010 when I was battling brain cancer. I was only given three months to live and then Make-A-Wish came into my life. The organization granted me a wish to meet my favorite baseball team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had because I was able to work out with the Dodgers and be around a Major League Baseball team. Everything was just perfect!
Did your wish help you get through treatment?
It definitely helped. At the time I was going through a lot of chemotherapy and had a couple of surgeries. When I was at UCSF, I was told that I was eligible for a wish. That entire time I was trying to get stronger—working out and just getting ready for the wish experience.
Can you share a little bit about your medical journey?
I was 16.5 or 17 and it was my senior year at Capuchino High School. At that time, I was supposed to be looking forward to senior ditch day, senior prom, and all those things. Unfortunately, I was getting really bad headaches. One day, I had a seizure and went to the hospital where they took a CT scan of my head. From there, they proceeded with surgery and removed a cancerous tumor. It was very devastating. I was more shocked than anything, but I also was motivated to beat it. I was in and out of treatment for a while. It was a process.
What was the toughest part of going through all of that?
Seeing my mother and sister at the time. My mom is a single parent, and she was dealing with it all by herself. I had a lot of friends, but it was mostly just my mom and sister who were there for me.
Do you have a favorite memory from your wish?
It was just the entire big league experience. It took place on the Dodgers’ Spring Training field. Being able to work out and meet people around the organization—it was really great.
How are you doing today?
Today, I’m doing really well. I haven't had a headache since I was 16 and a half or 17. I have a baby boy named Alexander and am about to graduate college. I am eternally grateful for Make-A-Wish because it opened so many doors for me.
Why do you think wishes are important for kids?
I think a wish is important because you never know what life will give you. My wish gave me something to look forward to and to be strong and keep going no matter what happens. All the support that I got from Major League Baseball and my community—it was one of the best experiences I could get at the time.
What advice would you give to wish kids?
If you are going through a tough situation or tough experience, never give up because I am a prime example how things can change for the worse at one point, and turn around and be really positive. Don't give up and just keep fighting!
*This wish was granted in partnership with Make-A-Wish Greater Bay.