This journey to find their way to the ocean is often filled with obstacles, but they instinctively make their way forward one step at a time – a phenomenon Miles can relate to after everything he’s faced in the past year. 

“For our family, there is life before Miles got sick and life after,” said his mom, Natasha. 

“Miles began having headaches at night and his optic nerves were swollen, so we took him to the emergency room. Within hours, it was determined he had a brain tumor. I had to leave the room and fell on the floor crying.” 

What followed was a wave of uncertainty, hospital stays and treatments. For a period of time, Miles even lost his memory due to his condition. 

“I didn't feel like I had much control or say in anything that was going on, so I started to look into different organizations and things I could do to help bring light into our lives,” Natasha continued.  

Miles qualified Make-A-Wish and for what felt like the first time in a while, his family had something positive to look forward to. 

“It was really exciting,” he shared. “When my volunteers came over to our house to tell us it was happening, that’s when it finally felt real."

Miles had the opportunity to become a turtle expert, learning about feeding, excavating the nest and counting the eggs.

The family enjoyed activities like a boat ride in the everglades and spending time at the beach, but the highlight of the trip was releasing the turtles in the wild. 

“It's fun because some turtles are really fast trying to get to the water and others walk crooked so we had to keep cheering them on,” Miles continued.  

Looking back on the experience, Natasha knows this wish was life-changing not only for Miles, but their whole family. 
 

Today, Miles is continuing his treatment and enjoys going on walks and playing soccer.  

“Miles is still fascinated with learning about ocean life. He is so positive and upbeat, I wish we could all be more like him,” Natasha said. 

Someday, Miles hopes to pursue a career in Marine Biology and have kids of his own, so he can tell them all about his wish. 

“It was unique and magical,” said Miles. “My wish is something I’ll remember forever.” 

Summer should be a time of joy, but wish kids often miss out due to their illness, creating a dark chapter during a time that should be filled with sunshine and memories.

We need your help to make wishes come true for 600+ waiting kids as we work to grant one wish each day during our busiest season!