Kaleolani's Wish

When asked why he wanted to visit the United Nations for his wish, Kaleolani (Kale) shared: “For the past few years I’ve had an interest in foreign relations and international relations, and I’d like to one day become a diplomat. And so, the UN as one of the biggest forces for international relations on the planet, interests me a lot.”

In January of 2022, Kaleolani was diagnosed with a condition that started with blurred vision in his right eye. This smart and friendly teen’s life changed forever in a matter of days. His diagnosis was the result of a tumor located in his right optic nerve and treatment began immediately. 

When Kale learned that he qualified to have his wish granted, he was very surprised and excited, and he was able to dream about New York and his wish coming true while he and his parents were driving three hours each way each week to receive chemo treatments.

This was the first time a visit to the United Nations was the heart of a child’s wish, so the teams at Make-A-Wish Metro New York and the United Nations were excited to participate in this unique wish. As a result, Kale’s wish experience turned out to be so much more than simply a tour of the United Nations building. Kale was hosted by the French delegation to the UN and met numerous ambassadors and other UN staff. He and his family not only visited the public areas of the UN headquarters building, but he was also able to tour the Security Council chamber and the Consultation chamber – a room that few UN staffers are allowed to enter. Other highlights included the General Assembly Hall where he was able to experience the view of the hall from the delegates’ perspective and stand at the Secretary General’s podium. Kale shared "It's been amazing to have such wonderful people to talk to. It's been awesome!"