Fourteen-year-old Rodney is a big kid with a big heart. At 6'2", he stands tall over most people his age. But his physical stature isn't the only characteristic that sets him apart. His uncommon generosity showed up in his wish when he told volunteers with the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Central and Southern Arizona, "I want to be a magician and do magic shows for other sick kids in the hospitals."

Wish granters paired Rodney with a magician named Lou, who performs as "The Amazing Luigi." Rodney and Lou spent almost every Saturday together for four months. During their encounters, Lou helped Rodney hone his skills as a magician.

The two had more in common than just a love for magic. As a child, Lou battled a fierce illness. During his bout, his doctor – Dr. Bob – made a deal with Lou that if he was brave about his treatments, he could pick out a magic trick. Soon, Lou had plenty of tricks, but no knowledge of how to use them. Dr. Bob put Lou in touch with his brother Bert, who taught him how to be a magician. Now, Lou was doing the same for Rodney!

After several months of training, Rodney was ready to become "The Amazing Rodini." With funding from Discover Financial Services, Inc., he ventured to the pediatric floor of St. Joseph's Hospital and began his astonishing performance. The children rolled up in their wheelchairs and pushed their I.V.s to gather around "The Amazing Rodini." The children's friends and families also watched the teen magician perform captivating tricks. At one point, a little boy exclaimed, "Mom, how did he do that?"

It's magic.

And it's Rodney's way to share the power of a wish^® .