I wish for a room redecoration
Kat
17
blood disorder
Kat’s wish gives her a sanctuary for recovery
“It affects my blood cells by making them clot together, which causes a lot of pain to different areas in my body,” she said. “I am constantly in pain, so I get admitted to the hospital a lot to deal with pain crises.”
That’s why, when Kat learned she’d receive a wish, she knew she wanted a sanctuary: somewhere she could be comfortable and a place all for herself as she went through treatments and the pain associated with her medical condition.
While so much of day-to-day life went on hold during the pandemic, brainstorming Kat’s wish became a source of hope and joy and served as catalyst to better health.
Kat said having a wish changes your mentality. “I am sick but there are things that make it not so bad,” she said.
Kat enjoying her new room redecoration.
Dreaming up her perfect room alongside her volunteers gave Kat the power to replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope. Instead of focusing on the next doctor appointment or hospital stay, Kat filled her thoughts with color schemes, décor styles and furniture.
Wish-granting volunteer Denise remembers Kat’s positivity throughout the process of having her wish granted.
“(Kat) was so optimistic and so thankful,” she said. Denise helped fuel Kat’s excitement for her upcoming wish by sending little tokens of inspiration throughout the wish planning process. After hours of planning and creative sessions, Kat’s wish came true, leaving her with renewed energy and strength in the room of her dreams.
“I had full creative liberty to do what I wanted,” Kat said. “It was completely life-changing because I got to choose every single thing. To see something come to life out of my own ideas and my own brain, and to see how beautiful everything turned out made me super happy.”
Kat is facing an upcoming surgery. Knowing she has a comforting and fun place to recover afterwards is helping her face the future with confidence and optimism.
“I spend a lot of time in my room so I really wanted to get a gaming system,” she said. With the help of our donors, Kat now has a new PS5 and TV to distract her from her medical treatments and pain as she recovers.
And it’s all possible because of the skills, time and donations of volunteers and donors like you.
“Seeing a child get their wish is unlike anything you will ever experience. You’re bringing so much happiness and joy not only to the child but to their family, and that is such a gift."
Kat loves her new room. “It feels great here, I never want to leave. I’m so thankful every day for the foundation and my team for making this happen for me.”
Your gift of time and money is crucial for kids battling critical illnesses. Volunteer or donate today!
Special thanks to Wayfair, Box Drop Mattress Direct, Bungie Foundation and wish-granting volunteers Denise and Mary.