In so many ways, Ford is the kind of teenager who seems to have it all figured out. As a senior in high school, he stayed busy running cross country, playing football, playing guitar and drums, and leading with the kind of confidence that made him a natural role model for his peers. He's the first to volunteer when someone needs help, the friend who lifts others up, and the kind of person who makes any room feel lighter just by being there.

From the outside, Ford looks like any typical, active teenager. But behind the scenes, he is carrying something few could see—a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis that requires constant vigilance, countless treatments, and a resilience far beyond his years.

His story isn’t just one of strength in the face of a challenge. It’s a story of choosing joy, embracing adventure, and never letting a diagnosis define the life he was determined to live.

A Life of Strength

Ford’s journey with cystic fibrosis began before he was even born. At his parents’ 20-week ultrasound, doctors noticed potential warning signs, but it wasn’t until he was six weeks old that Ford was officially diagnosed.

Ford's care team quickly sprang into action. With the right medications and treatments, Ford's health began to stabilize. But cystic fibrosis would remain a constant part of his life: multiple treatments a day, careful medication schedules, and a need to stay vigilant against even common illnesses.

“It’s easy to underestimate what we carry as a family every day,” shares Ford’s mom, Meg. “But his journey is constant maintenance, constant medications. The nature of cystic fibrosis is that it can change in an instant.”

As Ford entered his senior year of high school, he had an important decision to make. A few years earlier, a trip to Colorado had ended abruptly when Ford became seriously ill with COVID, forcing the family to pack up and leave almost as soon as they arrived. It had been a heartbreaking experience for the whole family.

So when the opportunity for a wish came, Ford knew exactly what he wanted to do: redeem that lost trip and create new memories in the mountains.

A Bright Future Ahead

Today, Ford is thriving as a college student at Florida State University, studying Sports Communication and chasing his dreams with the same drive and optimism he’s always had. Life looks a little different now; between unpaid internships, a full class schedule, and managing his medical treatments independently, Ford carries a lot on his shoulders. But he continues to face each day with determination, strength, and a smile.

He’s surrounded by supportive friends who understand and embrace his journey, and he continues to live life fully, never letting his diagnosis define him.

For his family, the Wish Trip to Beaver Creek was more than just a vacation—it was a moment to pause, celebrate, and acknowledge everything Ford has overcome. It was a chance to say, We see you. We’re proud of you. We support you.

“We didn’t even realize how much we needed it,” Meg said. “It was such a gift for us as a family.”

Ford’s story is a reminder that a wish is about more than one magical experience—it’s about hope, strength, and giving families moments they’ll carry with them forever.

If you’d like to be part of creating more life-changing memories for children like Ford, consider donating, volunteering, or supporting Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida today. Every wish granted brings light, joy, and healing where it’s needed most.