Andrew has always been a laid-back, original kid. He’s the type who prefers boots over sneakers and enjoys the simple pleasures in life. But life became complicated for Andrew when he was diagnosed with leukemia. While Andrew never showed it, the weight of his diagnosis affected him. He became tired more easily and began spending more time indoors.

Introduced to Make-A-Wish through St. John’s Hospital staff, he wasn’t sure what to expect. When he learned that his wish could be something that would truly make him happy, his whole demeanor changed. He chose a shopping spree wish that could also take him to his favorite place: the Boot Barn, where he could pick out all the boots and country gear he wanted.

When the wish day arrived, Andrew was treated like a true VIP. “He was the star of the show,” his mom said with a smile. “And even though he’s a more low-key kid, it was hard not to be excited for him when he saw all the attention. It was like he was living his country dream.”

Some of the best moments came from seeing the joy in Andrew’s eyes as he picked out his favorite boots, shirts, and jeans. “The Boot Barn people really went above and beyond,” his mom recalled. “They didn’t just hand him some boots; they made it an event. They treated him like he was someone special. It really made him feel like he mattered.”

But it wasn’t just about the clothes. Andrew also got to experience a special surprise at Longhorn Steakhouse, where the staff set up a private table, complete with Cubs colors and Cubs-themed memorabilia for him to take home. “It wasn’t something we expected at all,” said his mom. “But it just added to the excitement. It was like every part of this journey was tailored to make Andrew’s wish perfect.”

Looking back on the wish, Andrew’s parents saw a noticeable shift in him. “He became more positive. Mentally, he’s in a better place now,” his mom shared.

For Andrew’s mom, seeing her son’s wish granted was a moment of pure joy and relief. “Being a single mom means making sacrifices and working hard to provide. To see Andrew get exactly what he wanted, without the stress of bills or worrying about whether we could afford it—it was priceless. It was such a beautiful gift for him, and honestly, it was just as rewarding for me to see him so happy.”

The experience helped Andrew rediscover a part of himself that had been buried beneath his health struggles. And now, every time he steps into his boots, he’s reminded of the kindness, support, and generosity that came his way when he needed it most.