I wish to have a playset
Ryder
5
leukemia
Ryder's Playset Wish
Central Illinois community comes together to grant wish
Ryder, 5, from central Illinois, was diagnosed about two years ago with leukemia. He loves to play outdoors whenever possible with his friends and siblings. Because of his illness and the pandemic, going to the park was not an option for him.
Through his medical team, Ryder’s family learned about Make-A-Wish and he was connected with two local volunteers, Jen Bayla and Corey Schieler. They worked with Ryder to discover what his wish would be, and when he wished for a backyard playset, they jumped right in to make it happen.
Jen Lask, volunteer wish granter for Make-A-Wish Illinois, helps Ryder test out the swing on his new playset.
Earlier in the year, the family was impacted by severe flooding in the area. Their yard needed repair before the playset could be built. Working with Ryan’s family and their insurance agent to coordinate the yard repair and the playset installation, the community came together in a big way to make it all happen so Ryan could enjoy a beautiful new outdoor space. Last fall, Ryder’s playset was revealed with an incredible celebration.
“This wish made him incredibly happy,” Ryder’s family shared after the wish.
“Everything was perfect. It was so special that the community helped.”
“[We] were honored to help make this wish come true for Ryder and his family,” wish granter Corey Schieler said of his and volunteer partner Jen Lask’s involvement.
Special thanks to the many people who came together to create this life-changing wish experience for Ryder. After connecting with Make-A-Wish volunteer Corey Schieler, who also is an employee of State Farm, Greg Krutenbach, the local State Farm agent that had been working with the family on their flood damage immediately reached out to help secure and organize much of the support needed to make the yard ready for the playset. Community support for the yard and the reveal also included Gibson City Farmer Ken Lee, M&M Turf of Lexington, Gibson City High School student volunteers and marching band, Ropp’s Flower Factory and Landscaping, Gibson City Lions Club, local police and fire department representatives and State Farm corporate volunteers.
When coming together to grant wishes, volunteers and community members often find themselves uplifted by the experience, forming stronger community bonds and deeper connections to their neighbors. To find out how you can help wish children in your community, visit https://wish.org/illinois/ways-help-us.
