I wish to have a saxophone
Nathan, wish granted in 2011
lymphoma
Strength through music
It was 2009 and Nathan had just finished his freshman year of high school and a successful season of playing tenor saxophone in the jazz ensemble. Summer was looking up, except for cold symptoms and fatigue that just wouldn’t go away.
Nathan’s doctor had immediate concerns that something much more than a cold was going on. Nathan was referred to the hematology and oncology department at UCSF, where he was quickly diagnosed with t-cell lymphoma.
“The first few weeks of treatment were a whirlwind,” Nathan recalls, “with various prods and pokes, new medications, and meeting doctors, nurses, and staff.”
A huge disappointment—Nathan was not allowed to play his horn during treatments. “I still dedicated myself to learning musical pieces and listening to a variety of Jazz artists,” he says. “But music was a huge source of strength for me, and I wanted to return to playing as quickly as possible.”
Thankfully, the pediatric oncology staff were incredibly kind and helpful. Nathan says that, with the caring support of his medical team, he and his family were gradually able to acclimate to their new reality. Staff at UCSF also helped Nathan in another significant way—they directed him to Make-A-Wish. He says that knowing a wish was on the horizon was a huge motivator during this difficult time.
“I requested that my wish be fulfilled towards the end of my treatment,” he explains, “so I could have something to look forward to and reward myself with.”
After careful consideration, Nathan wished for a Selmer Reference 54 tenor saxophone. “It was an instrument that captured the tones and sounds of the music that kept me motivated during treatments,” he explains.
Toward the end of his sophomore year, Nathan was able to return to school, and by his junior year, he’d reached an incredible milestone—he was finally completely finished with his chemotherapy medications.
As he was about to find out, Make-A-Wish staff had also been busy securing his saxophone and planning the big reveal to coincide with his return to the jazz ensemble.
The surprise happened at their annual spring concert in 2011. “My band teacher suddenly made an announcement,” Nathan says, “and staff from Make-A-Wish came on stage and brought out a new saxophone!”
Music helped Nathan stay motivated during treatment.
Nathan was blown away by the reveal. “I unwrapped my new saxophone on stage in front of the audience, and played its first notes during our set on-stage,” he recalls. “It was a completely surprising and heart-warming moment.”
After a painful two years of hospitalization, treatment, and not being able to play his instrument, it was a well-deserved heart-warming moment for Nathan. “It was a huge positive and special moment for me and my family and friends,” says Nathan. “It would not have been possible without the care and expertise of my medical team, my supportive family and friends, and of course the Make-A-Wish, for making the magic happen!”
Today, Nathan is healthy, 26, and manages manufacturing and supply chain operations for Vir Biotechnology. He helps enable the rapid delivery of medicines for infectious diseases including COVID-19. He credits the dedicated care of his medical team as the inspiration for inspiring his career in health sciences.
“I wanted to give back to those who handled my medical care and to improve the quality of life for future patients,” he explains.
He studied biomedical engineering at UC Davis, where he found his calling in the pharmaceutical industry. During his senior year, he joined a year-long co-op program at Genentech, supporting technical operations and large-scale manufacturing for lifesaving drugs.
“I discovered that I enjoyed leveraging concepts in engineering and biochemistry to provide medicines for patients in need,” Nathan says of the experience. “So I continued my career in the area of bioprocess research and design.”
Music is still a huge passion for Nathan. When he’s not busy with work, he still loves to play his instruments, and enjoys discovering new musical artists and genres.
Nathan says that to this day, that wish reveal remains an incredibly an special memory. “It allowed me to have a physical reminder of one of my sources of strength during treatment, which was music,” he explains. “My family also appreciated the wish, as they were able to see me enjoy something that was also a large part of my life before my diagnosis.”
Looking back, Nathan and his family will always remember his wish as a crucial turning point in their journey with lymphoma, as well as the moment that inspired them to give back. Nathan and his sister Mackenna have both volunteered as members of the Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area Youth Board, helping to plan fundraising initiatives at local Bay Area schools. Mackenna also started a club at her high school to raise funds and awareness, and the whole family is heavily involved in promoting awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Nathan’s wish allowed him to close the door on his cancer treatment and get back to focusing on his future and doing what he loved. He says that wishes are crucial for children battling critical illnesses.
“When kids and their families begin the battle, it's a very overwhelming experience that can often be stressful,” he says. “Wishes give kids the motivation to persevere throughout their medical care and have something positive to look forward to. Make-A-Wish does so much for kids with critical illnesses. I believe it's important to support and give back any chance I can get!”