Things Are Looking Up
It’s what we say when we see a light emerge from whatever dark tunnel surrounds us. But what if looking UP—away from our phones and screens—is what changes things? For one little girl, looking UP was key.
Savannah had just turned five when her mother, Margret, heard the words, “We must get your daughter to the ER right now. Even a tiny scratch could make her bleed out.”
wish kid Savannah
This was after several visits to doctors, trying to understand why Savannah was losing weight, why her iron counts were so low, why she was getting blisters on her lips. Margret knew something was wrong and one blood test proved her right. Savannah had leukemia.
Life changed in an instant for Margret, a single mother of two girls. Soon after, COVID hit. The change continued, evolved. Savannah needed to move hundreds of miles away from home for life-saving treatment. Margret had to juggle her time between her kids, which was a dark time for the family. But a bright spot floated on the horizon.
During Savannah’s treatment, wish volunteers met her and asked the magic question: What experience would bring you the most joy?
Savannah remembered what she felt when flying kites, which her mother’s partner, Jose, introduced her to, saying it lifted his spirits as a child, when life felt heavy. Smiling, Savannah made her wish: “I want to see the kite festival on the Oregon Coast.”
And, once healthy, she did, with her mom, sister, new baby brother, Castiel, and Jose. The family was together again, joined by thousands of people who streamed into Lincoln City for the two-day festival, flying kites of various colors, shapes and sizes. “There were even professional kite fliers holding what looked like Macy’s Day parade balloons, but they were kites,” said mom, Margret.
If the 4th of July had a sister, it would be this festival. The sky was full of colorful canvases and kite tails blowing in the wind. Savannah loved every moment of it. “As a mom, it was nice to watch Savannah experience something good again and see her be worry free,” said Margret.
Kites move in unforced rhythms, dancing in the wind. Kites bring parents and children together. Kites invite us to look UP. And for Savannah, flying kites was just the beginning.
I Wish to go to the Oregon coast
Savannah
7
leukemia
We are trying new things because we’re focusing on making memories now.
Margret
wish mom
During her wish, Savannah also flew her own kite on a grassy hill near where the family stayed, rode a camel and held a tree snake. Her mom said, “Now she wants a snake. And she’s trying new foods, like roasted Brussel sprouts and onions. Because of what she’s been through, she’s becoming more experiential and less consumeristic.”
For Savannah, things are looking UP. Will you join her by looking up in your own life and starting the great adventure of becoming a volunteer? Volunteering can take up as much or as little time in your life as you dictate.