The Power of a Wish

Charlotte

12

cancer

Charlotte and Bethany Hamilton

The Power of a Wish - Charlotte's Story

The Power of a Wish - Charlotte's Story

It was the Friday before Labor Day, and my family was getting ready to attend a high school volleyball tournament where our oldest daughter was playing. Grandparents were driving in from out of state to join the fun, and we were all looking forward to the long weekend. I was about to leave work when the phone rang, and the doctor delivered the crushing news: our youngest daughter Charlotte had been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Our minds quickly transitioned from volleyball to far more serious concerns. My wife and I met that afternoon with the oncologist and other saints from TC Thompson who would be a key part of our daughter’s treatment. Sitting with Charlotte on our bed that evening and telling her that she had cancer was one of the most difficult things we’ve ever experienced as parents. The fear and uncertainty of the disease, alongside the anxiety of starting middle school at a brand-new school, was daunting for a 12-year girl. We were all breathless and shell-shocked.

When our family met with the medical team on Labor Day, we were told what we could expect in terms of scans/treatments, what the timeline was, and what life was likely to look like for the next several months. The grave reality and sheer difficulty of the situation had set in. When we were at rock bottom emotionally, one of the hospital administrators asked our daughter if she had heard of the Make A Wish program. She shrugged her shoulders. The kind lady went on to explain the goal of Make A Wish – for Charlotte to focus on an awesome experience that would bring a smile to her face and make her forget about her situation for a little while. That’s what MAW is all about – bringing hope and joy to children who are facing challenging medical situations.

 That’s what MAW is all about – bringing hope and joy to children who are facing challenging medical situations.
Ben, Charlotte's dad

That one exchange changed everything.  Up until that point, there had been no smiles, no laughter, and no excitement since the news was first delivered. However, while the five of us were still on the elevator leaving the doctor’s office, all we could talk about was her upcoming wish…with plenty of suggestions from her two older sisters. As an athlete, most of the ideas revolved around sports “Maybe you could go to the Olympics!”  “Wouldn’t it be cool to meet Drew Brees or Blake Griffin?”  “Maybe surf with Bethany Hamilton!” The ideas kept coming and filled the entire car ride home.

Imagining the possibilities released the trap of worry and dread, freeing Charlotte to dream about experiences beyond PET scans, port placements, and chemotherapy. Knowing that something incredible lay at the end of all the pain and disappointment filled her with hope and optimism that lifted her spirits beyond her current circumstances. We are profoundly grateful to Make A Wish for the joy that  Charlotte’s wish generated and the role it played in her recovery.

- story told by Charlotte's dad Ben