Something More Than Meets the Eye
Levi’s wish for a tent on wheels continues to bring hope, joy and adventure to his life – and that was all made possible because of YOU!
“I just love my camper,” said Levi. “I could sleep here every day!”
Levi’s family has been putting his SylvanSport camping trailer to good use. Levi’s mom, Lauren, says this summer was filled with fun and lots of smiles. His wish has opened a world full of wanderlust.
Levi and his family went stargazing in Idaho, ate lots of marshmallows and hotdogs, made campfires, and Levi caught a fish with his dad! Thank you for helping to create memories to last a lifetime for wish kids like Levi.
It happens when you’re outside, gazing into a dark night sky canvased in brilliant white stars. When all you hear are the distant sounds of crickets singing or a campfire crackling. Nature awakens a sense of awe, reminds you that there’s something more to life than the day-to-day unfolding.
Four-year old Levi was just getting a taste of the great outdoors, trailing behind his dad on hikes and standing side-by-side, a toddler fishing pole in hand, when he was diagnosed with cancer. Soon afterward, he lost his ability to walk. Hiking, exploring, fishing with his dad came to a sudden halt.
Levi and his family with the SylvanSport GO Camper
In the hospital, Levi’s mom had to carry him to treatments. They passed the same window every day that had a pond outside. One day, Levi said, “Mom, I want to fish in that lake.”
Looking at her son, concern and hope strewn across her face, wish mom Lauren said, “Well then, you’ll have to learn to walk again.” Levi did. And then he fished in that pond. But that wasn’t the end.
When Levi was asked to think about a wish, his heart spoke loud and clear. He wanted more memories with his dad beyond the hospital walls, beyond the cancer. Lauren said, “He hated all things indoors after living in the hospital. His dream was to live outside!”
Levi’s family told Make-A-Wish about a SylvanSport camping trailer on wheels that he wanted. Ann Buchman, the VP of Marketing & Sales for SylvanSport, said, “When Make-A-Wish contacted me, I was excited to help. My godson was a Make-A-Wish recipient, so I had a deep respect for the organization.”
Ann presented the wish request to her CEO, saying, “Tom didn’t even blink. He was happy to help and wanted to provide a discount.” They prioritized Levi’s wish for a GO camping trailer, moving it to the top of their orders.
Levi’s GO camping trailer was driven via flatbed truck all the way from North Carolina by Tony Breedlove, a trusted driver regularly contracted by SylvanSport. Tony said he was truly honored to deliver this particular trailer for the company. As the large truck towed the long-awaited-trailer up his driveway, Levi’s eyes widened as he said, “Mom!!! Is that my wish?”
“Mom!!! Is that my wish?”
Levi
Wish Kid
To make the experience more special for Levi, a local representative from the NorthWest SylvanSport GO Owners group, Jeff Brody, visited the family after the camping trailer was delivered to Levi’s house. When Jeff showed Levi how the camper opened up, Levi said, “What? Is it a Transformer?”
Yes. Yes, it was.
A wish is transformational. Not just for the wish child, but for everyone involved in the process. A wish reminds us of something more than meets the eye, like the invitation to get outside, hold space for wonder; the power of hope and dreaming; the simple joys of being together, father and son, fishing poles in hand.
You have the power to transform lives. Don’t blink. Contact Juli McClave today and become a part of something more by learning about how you can become a volunteer.