I wish to be a Police Officer
Stone
4
kidney disease
Stone's Police Officer Wish
After having a baby, most moms are prepared to deal with the rollercoaster of nighttime feedings, diaper changes, and crying that most newborns are known for. But when Sophia Hicks was just 20 weeks into her pregnancy, she learned that she would have to go through a much rougher time.
Her son, Stone, was diagnosed with renal hypoplasia, which is when the kidneys don’t develop properly. The nephrology team told Sophia that Stone would likely need dialysis at a very early age.
“We were prepared,” she remembers. “But nothing could have prepared us for what the whole process would be. Hearing he had it was one thing, but going through it was a whole separate thing.”
Young Stone started dialysis at just six months old, a process which continued for another year. Fortunately, the Hickses had an amazing medical team who told them that Stone would be eligible for a wish.
Stone’s Journey
“He’s been through a lot of things,” said Sophia. “But you wouldn’t really know it.”
“A lot of things” is an understatement. His condition caused a number of side effects, most notably severe eczema and rickets, which required surgery to straighten Stone’s legs.
Then, when Stone was nearly three years old, his family and medical team began to discuss the option of a kidney transplant.
The Hickses were told that the transplant would be more successful if it came from a close family member. Being his primary caregiver, Sophia knew she wouldn’t be a good candidate. Thankfully, her husband was a match!
In July of 2022, Stone received his father’s kidney and his life immediately changed.
“Since then, it’s been a world of difference!” said Sophia. “[Prior to the surgery] he had been really lethargic all the time, really calm. And at first, we thought we had a chill kid. It was just that all the things he was going through took a lot of energy. Once he got the kidney, he was bouncing off the walls. We were asking, ‘Who is this child?’”
Officer Stone
Prior to getting his new kidney, Stone was a fan of all things cars, so the family thought he would love a trip to Cars Land at Disneyland. But when he received his new kidney just a couple of months before the trip was scheduled, his interests suddenly changed.
“He went from liking all cars, all trucks, all service vehicles to just police. Everything was police,” his mom remembered. “[Disney] would have been a nice family trip, but I didn’t know that he would enjoy it as much. Because of everything he had been through, we wanted his wish to be about him and what he wanted.”
Of course, Make-A-Wish had no problem switching things up. In April of 2024, Stone would become a police officer!
Stone’s Wish Day
The community showed up in full force to celebrate the new addition to the police force. Even the news reported on Stone’s incredible achievement.
Stone began the day by changing into his very own police uniform before being sworn in by Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith. However, the celebrations were interrupted with the news that a dognapper was on the loose!
Fortunately, Stone was there to save the day! He hopped into the police car, handcuffed the bandit, and had him taken away. But his adventure wasn’t over. Another burglar needed to be apprehended. Accompanied by the Orlando SWAT team and K9 units, Stone did his part to keep Orlando safe and brought the criminal to justice.
As a “thank you” for his service and bravery, Stone was given his very own customized police car!
Changing Lives
Although Stone’s medical issues are far from over, he is definitely ready to start this new chapter of his life as a police officer.
“He knows that he’s part of the police force now,” said Sophia. “He tells us, ‘Don’t call me Stone, call me Officer Stone.’”
For a child who is just starting to experience all that life has to offer, this confidence couldn’t be more exciting. And even though the wish was meant for Stone, his family loved seeing the experience through his eyes.
“I’m really thankful for the whole experience and to the whole team,” said Sophia. “From Make-A-Wish to the police station…to everybody who came together to make a little boy happy. I hope that lots of other people get to go through the same thing that we did and get their wish granted.”
At Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida®, changing the lives of children like Stone is all in a day’s work. You can help further our mission with your support. By donating, volunteering, and attending local events, you’ll be doing your part to help grant the wishes of children with critical illness.
Contact your local chapter today to see how you can get involved.