August 2024

Ricky is 13 years old, from Maynardville, and is diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome (MPS type III). Ricky chose a wish to visit Gatlinburg because he likes the mountains and wanted to travel but not too far – so what better wish than to visit Rocky Top! Ricky is family-oriented, so it was important to him to have a wish that all his siblings could join. Ricky wanted nothing more than to relax in a cabin with a mountain view to watch his siblings run around together to make him laugh…it really is all about the little things in life ❤ Ricky and his family were able to visit Ripley’s Aquarium and a petting zoo, too!

Ricky enjoys watching PJ Masks and Ninja Turtles, being in a pool, and seeing cars go by. He also likes to go on stroller rides and swing on his adaptive swing set. Ricky attends school three times a week and is interested in going to his next school dance! His two dogs are his best friends, Mia and Gia.

Wish mom said, “To all the make a wish sponsors. You provided something my family could have never done without you. To make memories with Ricky was so indescribable. To get the pictures, to go to the places we went, to sit at a huge table with everyone at the same time, or swing on a porch swing and talk as a family about what we did that day was unforgettable. Something I could never repay. What you do for a family is amazing. For a short time, you forget the pain that is there on a daily basis. Very grateful the Brown Family. As I sit here once again with tears rolling at what an amazing gift you made happen for my family I can never express how thankful I am as a mother to be able to take my whole family and make the best memories ever with Ricky. He is our amazing and loving son who only knows how to love unconditionally. He has brought so much to our family and shown my kids that all children are special. We know we won’t have him forever but the amazing impact that he has made will never be forgotten. We will love and do everything in our power to see that he has the best life possible, and you sure help out with that. You are a true angel on earth, never forget that. There are many jobs in this world you could do, but just know that none of them will ever compare to the one you do now. My greatest appreciation to you and the foundation and anything we can do please let us know.”