Wish Alumni Then & Now Feature - Jakeina

My name is Jakeina Sutton, and my Make-A-Wish experience was truly amazing. I am so proud to be a Wish Kid. Since the age of two months, I have struggled tremendously with my health. I suffer from Cardiomyopathy (Enlarged heart,) which was hereditary from my aunt (also named Jakeina) who passed away at the age of three. 

On December 12, 1994, at the age of only four months old, I received my first heart transplant at UNC-Chapel Hill. I had a near normal childhood - I played sports, danced, participated in extracurricular activities after school, etc. Things were going smoothly for quite a few years (14 years) until one day I went to my doctor’s appointment and they told me the medicine I was taking for my heart was affecting my kidneys and that I would soon need a kidney transplant. My health began to decline very fast and rapidly. I was hospitalized for months at a time and unable to stay in school. During this time, my community and family were very supportive. They even created a big fundraiser for me!

One day a lady from Make-A-Wish heard my story and asked how she could help or what could she do. We sat down and talked for months, and I eventually decided that I wanted to go to California to Universal Studios with my family. Of course, at this time, I am way too sick to go and was on the kidney transplant list. Two years went by and I was still on the list, but I randomly got a call from UNC-Chapel Hill stating that they had a heart and a kidney transplant available for me. ALL of my family immediately rushed over to my house, and they hugged and prayed for me before going to the hospital. Unfortunately, when we got there they told us that the heart was no good. Of course, I was so disappointed as I went back home.

Thankfully, two months later the hospital called again and told me they had a match for sure this time. We did the whole process all over again and it worked! On June 15, 2011 I received my second heart and June 16, 2011 I received my first kidney transplant at UNC-Chapel Hill. I spent two weeks and two days in the hospital. Although I still had plans to go on my wish trip to California, it was temporarily put on hold due to my health issues and my long recovery process.  I knew the trip would be well worth the wait though! In the meantime, Make-A-Wish connected me with my local radio station where I got to spend the entire day. I was so overjoyed and got to meet the biggest radio personality in town. We hung out for the day, he taught me how to work the soundboard, and many other things. That day meant so much to me that I later got my undergraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism. 

Once I graduated high school, I did go on my long awaited Make-A-Wish trip to California! My whole family and I spent the week in sunny California. We went to Universal Studios, toured California, went to a ton of museums, and even had a nice limo ride. I was so grateful for this experience because I had never experienced anything like that from the kindness of strangers. It was the most amazing and beautiful experience I have ever had. My family and I were truly blessed. After I graduated high school and went on my wish trip, I attended Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina and graduated with a BA degree in Broadcast Journalism -  I even completed my 4 year program in 3.5 years. 

Now, I am currently at the University of North Carolina Greensboro getting my Masters in Public Health where I plan to teach people how to advocate for themselves or a loved one. My struggles and the people I came across have taught me so much about my journey, even the original lady who was my Wish Granter that has now passed away. I always remember her, my aunt and uncle , my cousin Jasmine, and anyone who played a major part with helping me stay motivated - especially my mom and grandma. These two ladies make sure I do not give up. Oh, and God – I can’t forget about him, he’s definitely the reason why I’m here today.