Very few 6-year-olds can say they have double their age in personal physicians, but for Dylan, that is a very real way of life. 

Dylan was diagnosed with a heart condition and hydrocephalus before he was even born, and delivered six weeks early followed by his first surgery at the age of 1 day old. 

“After the surgery, Dylan’s lungs were not fully developed,” said Elena, his mother. “Breathing and eating were very difficult for him and he had difficulty thriving on his own.”

Dylan was released home after two months in the NICU, but only with 24-hour-a-day oxygen and 20-hour-a-day feeds from a pump. His family rarely left home the first year of his life, unless it was to go to the hospital.  

“Shortly after his first birthday, Dylan had a tracheostomy to help him get bigger and stronger,” said his mother. “We were on a regular rotation of specialists for the next three years.”

When he was referred for a wish, Dylan had no trouble coming up with his one true wish – a backyard renovation that would allow him to enjoy the outdoors, use his gait trainer and enjoy a sense of freedom he never had before.

Dylan’s new backyard included turf, rubberized surfacing, a pergola for shade and some extras that were very specific to his favorite things to do. 

“His new wish backyard gave Dylan a safe and productive space in which to continue to blossom and grow,” said Elena. “He wants to spend every second out there. It gives him a sense of freedom so many people take for granted. It really opened up a whole new world and provided him with his own special play haven that he can share with his friends and family.”

“You have given this family so much more than just a beautiful backyard and for that I am forever grateful.”