Just weeks after having his appendix removed, Levi’s world turned upside down – he was diagnosed with cancer. 

Before his family could process the news, doctors laid out an urgent plan: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The treatments took a toll on Levi. He lost the ability to run, jump and climb like he once loved to do. His siblings felt the strain too, as hospital visits kept them apart from Levi. “It was intense for the entire family,” said Elizabeth, Levi’s mom.

But through it all, Levi stayed strong – curious, determined and focused on brighter days ahead. When he learned he would receive a heartfelt wish, his imagination took flight, and he pictured a plane ride to a snowy escape. As Levi finally entered recovery, his heartfelt wish to go skiing in Colorado kept him moving forward.

“He was really looking forward to skiing because he wasn't able to fully be himself during chemo and radiation,” Elizabeth said. “When he was in recovery mode, he started gaining his strength again. So, he was very excited about going skiing.”

When the plane took off, Levi’s excitement was evident, and on the snowy slopes, his family watched him reclaim the confidence that cancer had once taken from him. 

“To see him going down the slope, you saw strength in him,” said Eli, Levi’s dad. “You saw resilience. He bounced back from the whole situation.”

Levi’s wish was more than a ski trip – it was a turning point for his entire family. “It felt like I could breathe again,” said Elizabeth. “It felt like I had something to look forward to ... not just going to the hospital, not just keeping my son alive, but to make something fun and a great memory.”

Eli continued, “When Make-A-Wish came into our lives, it's like it turned the page from all of the hard work from the doctor's visits to just keeping him alive. Now we can go have some fun. To be together … it’s a lasting memory.”
 
Unwrap the power of a wish for children like Levi with a generous holiday gift.