Samuel is a kind eight-year-old boy from north suburban Deerfield who loves playing outside, video games, and all things Jurassic Park. At a prenatal checkup, doctors discovered that Samuel would be born with congenital heart disease. His medical team immediately began planning for surgery following his birth, which required extended intubation to support his breathing. Reflecting on that time, Samuel’s mom Evelyn shared, "After we got the diagnosis, I didn't know everything he would have to go through.”

As a baby Samuel faced frequent hospitalizations and surgeries. Because of his fragile condition, his growth lagged that of his peers. "He couldn't develop like a normal baby," Evelyn shared. "There was no tummy time, or hugs from mom and dad." Things improved slightly by the time he was four years old, but his health continued to provide challenges.

Growing up with two sisters, Samuel often struggled to keep up with physical activities. "He tries, but he can't always do what his sisters can," Evelyn explained, referencing things like riding a bike or helping with laundry. This also impacts him socially, as he can’t bond with his peers over common interests like football or other contact sports.

"He couldn't be exposed to things like typical children, and he lacks physical strength. He tries as hard as he can at everything and still loves to help out around the house."

 Samuel first learned about Make-A-Wish at a routine appointment with his cardiologist. His family elected to wait until Samuel was a bit older and stable medically to begin wish discovery. After careful thought, Samuel decided that a dream vacation to Hawaii with his family would be the perfect wish.

The Make-A-Wish Illinois team got to work and soon Samuel, along with his parents, two sisters, and grandmother were on their way to sunny Honolulu, where they were welcomed with a traditional lei greeting. The Jurassic Park tour, Samuel’s favorite part of the wish, was an exciting ride through the movie’s filming locations in open air vehicles where they marveled at the lush scenery. "Jurassic ranch was amazing, Samuel felt so special," shared Evelyn. "When we arrived, they had a goody bag for him, and a badge with his name on it. It made him feel like a real VIP."

Their family also enjoyed a festive luau at Paradise Cove, a visit to a koala ranch, and other outdoorsy adventures across the island. Reflecting on the trip, Evelyn said that Samuel especially loved visiting the ocean, something he had never seen before. "[The wish] was very impactful. To see him running around in the ocean… It made me think of all those really crappy times at the hospital," said Evelyn. "All of those tears were worth one second of seeing him in the ocean."

"All of this will help me, be a reminder, even," she shared, "We are all so grateful and thankful. This impacted all of our lives, and no one can take that experience away from us."

Even though the trip is over, Samuel still talks about his wish with passion and pride, often sharing photos from the experience with his care team and teachers.