#HighFiveIsaiah - Basketball Wish Brings Newfound Confidence

An easygoing newborn, Isaiah’s parents soon questioned: “Why is our baby only using his left hand?” Scared, the young couple sought help. Isaiah was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 1, and after experiencing uncontrollable seizures, epilepsy at age 2.

Kim used social media to share updates, captioning each post, #HighFiveIsaiah. “When he was a toddler, we would tell him ‘high five,’ because we wanted to encourage him to use his right hand,” Kim said.

High fives turned to dribbles as Isaiah watched the Golden State Warriors and fell in love with basketball, the only sport he can play with right-sided weakness. But sadly, Isaiah became far too afraid to play with other kids. He began suffering from anxiety attacks because he "desperately did not want to have a seizure in public" -- his worst fear.

“He didn’t want to run around and play with the kids, because he was so deathly afraid of having a moment of weakness in front of his friends and classmates,” Kim said, sharing the court really helped because “he became so confident, and it really pushed him to be more comfortable in public settings.”

Isaiah and his dad drove to vacant courts to privately play, prompting Isaiah’s wish to have a backyard basketball court. For Isaiah, the most important design element was incorporating colors to represent epilepsy (purple) and cerebral palsy (green).

Mid-project, Isaiah devastatingly fractured his femur and dislocated his knee. The eighth-grader was suddenly on bed rest, feeling discouraged, in unbearable pain – and wondering if he’d ever play again.

“It was a very low point in his life, and we used the court to kind of give him some hope,” Kim said. “We wanted him to know that if he stuck through it and if he went through with the surgery and agreed to the different therapies that were being offered in his recovery plan that he could play basketball.”

Motivated to recover, Isaiah’s wish day was even more special. On reveal day, a boldly painted #HighFiveIsaiah welcomed everyone onto the court, made possible thanks to many generous partners. Isaiah cut an opening ribbon and sank a free throw!

"He's never felt special, no matter how much we try to show him,” Kim said. “All the effort and support from family and friends helped him see that he is important. It made him feel special."

Isaiah has gained the courage and confidence to play with schoolmates and consider trying out for the team. Some kids even spot him on campus and give him high fives.

“He developed a newfound confidence, and we’re so grateful that he made his way back to the sport that he loves so much,” Kim said. “To watch him play without fear makes my heart so happy.”

Celebrating a two-year seizure-free milestone, his parents credit the court with helping to improve Isaiah’s overall attitude, mood and life outlook, helping his body and mind: “This is the longest he’s ever been without seizures, and we really feel like the court had something to do with it,” Kim said.

Wish Impact – Isaiah’s Family is Not Alone

As Isaiah experienced, a wish is not simply a fleeting gift. In the fight against critical illness, each wish serves as a catalyst for renewed strength and encouragement for every child and family on their medical journey and throughout their entire lives. It is a significant turning point that opens the door to exciting possibilities.

According to the 2022 Wish Impact Study:

• 9 out of 10 wish alumni say their wish made them feel more confident and hopeful for the future
• 9 out of 10 medical providers say a wish increases compliance with treatment
• 9 out of 10 medical providers say the wish experience has a positive impact on, and even improves, a child's physical well-being and overall quality of life.