Hailey’s Year of Hope And Togetherness

Hailey is a sweet, fun-loving 3-year-old who loves swimming, blowing bubbles and playing with her sisters. Fiercely independent, she often sets up her own “clinic” at home, conducting checkups on her sisters and stuffed animals, prescribing pretend medicine, and covering invisible scrapes with bandages. 

Hailey knows far more about doctors, hospitals and medical treatments than any child should. Before she turned one, her mom noticed she would cry when lying on her back and had developed unexplained bruises. The symptoms persisted, and her mom took her to the pediatrician for testing. 

Hailey smiling looking out a window

A blood test revealed an alarming number of suspicious white blood cells. Hailey was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with cancerous growths throughout her entire nervous system. 

Hailey underwent a round of chemotherapy, but it proved to be unsuccessful. 

The tumors continued to grow, and Hailey received multiple stem-cell transplants in hopes of slowing the progression. After a grueling year of surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy, the tumors finally began to shrink. Today, Hailey is in remission – though her diagnosis still carries a risk of recurrence.

Wanting to give her something positive to look forward to, Hailey’s family looked for a way to celebrate her recovery and spend time together – time that had been lost to her critical illness. Hailey’s heartfelt wish was simple, but deeply meaningful: to create a year of memories with her family.

Local community members, volunteers, donors and staff rallied together to help bring Hailey’s wish to life. Over the past year, Hailey and her sisters have enjoyed dance and swimming lessons donated by local instructors. They’ve explored the zoo and aquarium and spent countless hours crafting at a local art studio. 

Because of her wish, Hailey and her family have reclaimed precious time together – time filled with joy and new, positive memories. 

“You do not know how long you get to keep these beautiful kids. We are being sure to make the most beautiful memories,” said wish mom Whitney. 

As we welcome a new year, you can help unwrap the power of a wish for more children like Hailey. Kick off 2026 by spreading hope and joy to children who need it most. Donate today.