Make-A-Wish^® Idaho

Lewiston, Idaho: Thirteen-year-old Landyn’s wish to go to Hawaii was granted on December 5, 2022. Landyn is a Lewiston, Idaho resident who suffers from a nervous system disorder that causes powerful seizures which are sometimes accompanied by short-term memory loss.  

Landyn wished to go to Hawaii because he wanted to go somewhere tropical. He says he gets cold swimming in pools and wanted to be in a place where he could swim as much as he wanted without stopping. He found photos of Hawaii on the Internet and his mind was made up.  

During his trip, Landyn and his family enjoyed snorkeling at Hanauama Bay and experienced a dolphin encounter at Sea Life Park where he also fed tropical fish.  Another key aspect of the trip was sliding down a waterslide near or into the ocean.  
"Landyn went down the waterslide into the pool next to the ocean more times than I can count, each time he had a smile on his face with pure joy!” said Rachel, Landyn’s mom.  

"For the week. he was stress free and not thinking about his seizures and other health issues and was able to just have fun with his family. Landyn says Hawaii is his favorite place to be, he calls it his 'Happy Place' and can't wait to go back someday!" 
Landyn and his family returned safely to Idaho on December 11. His wish represents one of 150 wishes that Make-A-Wish Idaho is aiming to grant during its 2022-2023 fiscal year, more wishes than the Idaho chapter has ever granted in a single year before and fifty percent more wishes than average. Make-A-Wish Idaho is pushing to grant these wishes to ensure that going forward wish kids will have shorter waits times.