Nine-year-old Titus from Kamuela has always had a deep love for animals, but one creature in particular captured his heart—the capybara. Known as the world’s largest rodent, these gentle and sociable animals fascinated Titus, who would watch videos and read about them with endless curiosity. The capybara became a symbol of strength and joy during some of the most challenging times in his young life. 

Growing up with a neuromuscular disorder, Titus faces daily obstacles that most children his age don’t have to consider. He loves adventure and playing outside, but his condition makes it difficult for him to keep up with his two older brothers, especially when climbing trees or playing in the water. As Titus’ condition made everyday activities more difficult—stumbling while playing, falling behind, and traveling frequently to Oahu for medical care—he was buoyed by the happiness that his favorite animal brought him.  

Titus wears a capybara T-shirt to all of his medical appointments. It’s a conversation starter with his care team and brings his thoughts to a happier place. Titus’ mother, Mina, recalls Dr. Aileen Tanaka, pediatric neurologist at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, suggested that perhaps Titus should meet a capybara in person, and referred him to Make-A-Wish Hawaii. It was the start of a fantastic journey, and meeting a capybara was exactly what Titus had in mind for his most heartfelt wish. Right away, he began planning which capybara plush toy to bring on his trip. 

Thanks to the Wishes Forever Endowment Fund, which ensures wishes can continue to be granted for generations to come, Titus’ wish came true. He and his family traveled to San Diego to meet capybaras at Nurtured by Nature—an experience that brought him and his family immense joy and gratitude. 

For Titus, the experience was everything he had hoped for and more. He learned about the capybaras’ habitat, their social behaviors, and even their unique relationships with other animals. He got to feed, pet, and spend lots of time with his favorite animal. “It was exciting to meet a capybara!” Titus shares. He also held river otters in the pool, pet a two-toed sloth, and fed a fox.  

Beyond the animal encounters, the experience gave Titus more confidence. Before his wish, being in water had always been a challenge. But here, surrounded by the kindness of others and immersed in an experience created just for him, he felt a new sense of possibility. He splashed alongside the otters and carried himself with a newfound self-assurance. “It made me feel special,” he says. 

The wish experience also gave his family a chance to bond, relax, and make unforgettable memories together, away from the worries of medical treatments and hospital visits. 

“It was breathtaking. Every part of the trip was special,” says Mina. “I think it made him realize how big the world is, and that there are so many amazing people out there who are willing and want to help him. He still talks about it, and he is so grateful and loves the animals even more.”