Esmeralda's Wish to go to Hawaii

I was a Junior in high school when I noticed I was feeling more tired than usual, I felt nauseous often, and I found a lump in my neck. The lump prompted me to get a biopsy and within a couple days, I learned I had cancer (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma). I was mostly concerned with how treatments would affect me going to swim practice and chances of earning a swimming scholarship to college. Life quickly revolved around doctor appointments for chemotherapy, scans, and radiation. It was tough on the entire family with a mixture of emotions. Therefore, it only made sense for me to wish for a family vacation to Hawaii!

Our family vacation to Hawaii was a memorable vacation because we didn’t have to worry about any details, schedules, or appointments. It was a week full of fun activities for our family to bond, experience new things, and feel happy and stress-free. My favorite parts of the trip were playing on the beach. The gorgeous beach view from our hotel will always be a great memory. I felt hopeful for my next scans and feeling “normal” again after finishing treatment.

After my wish, I started college and competed on the swim team for all four years. Then, I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Now, I am one semester away from earning my Doctorate degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. I am so grateful for those who came together to support me during my medical journey that it sparked my passion to be supportive of others in times of need.

My Make-A-Wish trip was so magical and inspiring that I was excited to start volunteering for Make-A-Wish. My mom started granting wishes while I started volunteering at events when I was in college. Then, my mom and I started granting wishes together! It is our way of giving back to such a moving organization so we can be a part of another child’s inspiring wish.