Make-A-Wish^® Northeastern & Central California

the news that he had been born with only half of his heart. They were told he would not live without a heart transplant. While he waited for a new heart, Brayden’s health began to decline. He was given an experimental pump, which pumped his heart for several months. At five-months-old, he received the gift of a heart transplant!

However, that Summer, Brayden’s body began to reject the transplant, and in a matter of hours was suffering a full infection leading to serious complications. But with the remarkable work of his medical team and Brayden’s resilience, he made a full recovery.

Now, at six-years old, Brayden’s health is in the best place it has ever been. Brayden and his family have faced tremendous challenges no child should ever encounter.

During his wish discovery visit, Brayden came up with a variety of creative wish ideas. After finding out more about Brayden’s passions and favorite things, it was clear that Brayden’s heartfelt wish was to have an animal experience. He loved to talk about animals and all the different species in the world! Our wish team and community of supporters and volunteers got to work and revealed his wish to him at our annual Radiothon event.

There at our event, Brayden was greeted by a professional animal handler who had lots of species for him to see up close. Brayden was thrilled to receive the news that his wish to have a special zoo experience full of adventure and personalized encounters with the animals was coming true.

And about a month later, Brayden embarked on his wish, where he was warmly welcomed by his Southwest Airlines crew and pilot.

Brayden's wish to go to the zoo was of course filled with many closeup animal encounters AND joy! Brayden with his family had VIP tours and experiences at Brayden's favorite marine mammal park, oceanarium, aquarium, and zoo!

Scroll through some of his wish photos below!