Jaime's Wish to go to Hawaii

^{As medical treatments advance and improve outcomes for children, some health conditions featured in alumni wish stories may not meet today’s wish eligibility criteria.}

At 17 years old, when looking at me you would have thought I was a completely normal teenager; but in reality, I was living with a chronic health condition since birth. At 17 in addition to looking forward to picking a college, attending prom, and hanging out with friends in my free time I had also just completed a two week hospital stay with a central line placed at Children's Hospital Milwaukee due to a decline in my lung function. By this age living with Cystic Fibrosis was all I knew; quarterly hospital visits, the poking and prodding from needles, and twice a day therapy was life, and unfortunately without an end in sight. My parents had been approached about a 'wish' through Make-A-Wish Wisconsin but in the past had thought this was for kids with more complex medical needs or more severe of a diagnosis than mine. However, knowing my health was starting to slip, they moved forward toward my journey for a wish.

Through Make-A-Wish my family experienced a week long vacation to Hawaii. It was an absolutely incredible week that included my first plane ride, para sailing, a traditional luau, and hiking to the top of the volcano Diamond Head. I will never forget while snorkeling next to a sea turtle the overwhelming feeling of being 'free.' Free of my illness, of my limitations, and of anxiety and stress for that moment and that week together with my family.

Fast forward 26 years later and although still living with Cystic Fibrosis I am thriving in my day to day life. I work as a school nurse and in my free time volunteer as a wish granter for Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. I find great joy and purpose in helping grant life changing wishes for other kids battling illnesses and feel that giving back to Make-A-Wish has become a full circle moment for me as I know exactly the joy, hope, and unforgettable experiences Make-A-Wish can provide to children.