Addison's wish to give back heals, transforming visits to the hospital

Every wish is as unique as the child who makes it. And every wish has the power to transform.

When she was just 10 years old, Addison began to feel unwell, with frequent fevers and flu-like symptoms. This continued for months, as she grew lethargic and unlike her usual active and social self. Always searching for answers and always dismissed as a virus, Addison continued to struggle. She lost weight and developed bruises. When her mother, Chris, found her in bed with difficulty breathing, she rushed Addison to the emergency department. When her lab work returned, they received the news of her critical diagnosis: acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Addison endured treatment, including 26 days of chemotherapy and nearly 200 days in the hospital. She knows first-hand what it’s like to be away from the comforts of home with limited options for activities. Her experience inspired her wish.

Addison wished to give back by using her wish to provide new smart TVs and Bluetooth speakers to the 10 children’s oncology rooms at the very place she received her own critical diagnosis.

She wanted to ensure young patients have the comforts of home and can pass the time watching their favorite shows, movies or YouTube channels and to enjoy it with quality sound.

Addison also asked to enhance the hospital environment with vibrant and joyful art. What began as an opportunity to join a muralist to add her handprints to create coral for the undersea theme—inspired by her own love of the beach!—blossomed into so much more with fish, octopus, jellyfish, starfish and even mermaids!

Having triumphed over her own illness, Addison—through her wish—was now reclaiming her experience and relationship with the hospital setting where she had endured so much.

A wish provides much-needed relief from the trauma and stress caused by a critical illness.

Visits to the hospital took on a new meaning with her wish, as Addison the artist dedicated herself to completing this special project, adding a personal touch to her wish to give back that will offer comfort and joy to other children facing their own battles.

Wishes have a positive impact on the emotional well-being of not only wish kids, but also their families and those involved in the wish.

When Addison's mom was reflecting on the healing power of her daughter's wish, she talked about how she used to get sick to her stomach every time that they pulled up to the hospital. She felt that the feelings of dread used to be a common emotion, as Addison had spent 186 days in the hospital. 

As Addison spent 3 months visiting the hospital to work on painting her murals, Addison's mom felt relief too– having described this part of the wish as time for the entire family to heal.