I wish to have a backyard barn redo

Axel

7

nervous system disorder

Wish Kid Axel hanging out in his backyard barn.

Axel's Wish to have a Backyard Barn Redo

Axel's Wish to have a Backyard Barn Redo

Seven-year-old Axel is one of the sweetest kids who lights up every room he enters! But Axel’s journey hasn’t always been so easy. At just 18 months old, he was diagnosed with a nervous system disorder that caused frequent seizures and, at one point, left him fighting for his life on life support.

“Driving that day not knowing if your child was going to be alive or healthy when you got there was nerve-wracking. We were terrified."

Phillip

Wish Dad

Thankfully, Axel pulled through – and that strength led him to something magical: a wish. When Axel learned he qualified for a wish through Make-A-Wish, he didn’t hesitate. He knew exactly what he wanted – to turn the family’s backyard barn into Axel’s Gym: a dream space with a basketball court, air conditioning, and even bleachers for fans!

Today, Axel’s Gym is more than just a place to shoot hoops. It’s a haven – a space filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.  Every afternoon, you can find Axel out in the barn with his dad, shooting hoops and sharing laughs. It’s a special father-son tradition they both treasure. 

At his wish celebration, Axel was surrounded by Make-A-Wish volunteers, his siblings, parents, and grandparents – all there to cheer him on. The barn echoed with bouncing balls, happy voices, and plenty of smiles. To top it all off, Axel’s favorite treats—pizza and honey buns—made the day even sweeter.

Watch Axel's Wish

Wish kid Axel hanging out in his backyard barn with his grandparents.