Like most of his peers, Hunter loves playing games and going to theme parks. But there are quite a few things that set him apart.

This soft spoken teen loves history and has a dream to see the Seven Wonders of the World. Hunter also has TRAPS.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Syndrome (TRAPS) is an autoimmune disease that causes periodic fevers, inflammation, and pain. This incredibly rare condition affects only 1 in a million people and unfortunately makes Hunter more susceptible to common illnesses like the cold or flu.

“A ‘regular’ cold to someone else could send him to the hospital,” his mom, Sonya, told us.

In addition to TRAPS, Hunter also deals with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and autism.

But he doesn’t allow the pain, hospital visits, or medication to stop him from dreaming big! So when his doctor told him about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Hunter knew exactly what to wish for. He wanted to see the Grand Canyon!

Because of his immune system, Hunter’s family knew that a plane trip would leave him too vulnerable. So the family—mom, dad, and three siblings—piled into a vehicle and set off for a road trip to remember!

A series of beautiful (and sanitized) hotels took the family through Louisiana, Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico. This history buff loved seeing the old gas stations along Route 66, sightseeing and staying in the many well-appointed hotels.

While these were some amazing experiences in and of themselves, Hunter was filled with anticipation. “One of the best experiences was knowing you’re about to see something you’ve never seen in your entire life.”

Another top moment? Staying in a haunted hotel in New Mexico!

Hunter recounted his experience with the paranormal: “I actually went out one night to get a drink of water and I remember all the lights turned off in the hallway as I was going back to my room. And all I heard was banging at my window and we were so high up. There was nothing that could possibly touch the window.”

Mom, however, had a different opinion. “I refused to stay on the way back.

By the time they finally arrived at the Grand Canyon, Hunter and his family had already had an incredible trip. But seeing this incredible sight firsthand was something that none of them were prepared for.

“You look at the pictures and it doesn’t compare to the actual thing,” Hunter says. “It doesn’t compare to anything you’ll ever see. I can tell you right now, that view is the best view out of any view I’ve ever seen.”

During their stay at the Grand Canyon, the family got to swim in a natural swimming hole, walk across a bridge over the canyon, and ride on a gravity-powered roller coaster. But one of the top moments was getting to see the Grand Canyon up close in a pink Jeep!

Their Pink Adventures tour guide let Hunter sit right up front and she laughed and joked with the family as she recounted the history of the area.

“She was one of the best people to go through that with,” says Hunter. “You wouldn’t think someone would have all that experience in their head.” 

Hunter’s mom agreed: “That was the best thing out of all of it because he was smiling the whole time.”

However, not all of the surprises were offered by Make-A-Wish. The owner of drive-thru wildlife park Bearizona gave free passes to the entire family after reading messages about TRAPS written on their car. Hunter and his siblings got to see bears, deer, and more right from their car window.

After all that, it’s safe to say that the Grand Canyon trip made a huge impact on Hunter.

“It just feels right to be in that area. [I feel] attached to it. I want to go up there when it snows to see if it looks different."

When asked about the experience, Hunter’s mom, Sonya, didn’t hesitate.

“I’m so thankful for Make-A-Wish…I appreciate everything they did for us. It made [Hunter] happy, it put a smile on his face.”

For families like Hunter’s, Make-A-Wish does more than provide a fun summer trip. Granting wishes gives a sense of hope and togetherness for families whose lives are disrupted by serious illness.

By supporting Make-A-Wish, you can help grant life-changing wishes to kids like Hunter. To donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Make-A-Wish Central and North Florida.