Kyer’s Wish Takes Flight

Have you ever dreamt of flying? Either flying through clouds or building the best flying contraption in the world? It’s one of those dreams that combines sensations of freedom with exhilaration and, therefore, can captivate people of all ages, especially the young at heart.

For 8-year-old Kyer, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at a very young age, his fascination with flying came from wanting to change the world. He loved flying gliders with his grandpa, dad and brother at the park and wished to design real planes and make them better. Kyer’s ambition and fortitude were stronger than the physical flare ups and debilitating abdominal pain he endured, and he never let his illness stop him from dreaming of planes and flying.

But what does an 8-year-old know about planes? Well, in Kyer’s case, a lot. His base knowledge was quite impressive, having even illustrated his own book entitled, “How a Plane is Built.”

With this base knowledge and the help of his community, Make-A-Wish^® helped Kyer’s wish take flight. A local engineering design professor taught Kyer how to design and 3D print his own airplane designs, creating physical models of how he wants to change the world for the better. His wish experience continued with a local pilot taking Kyer, his brother and father up in a Cessna. Kyer even was able to take the controls, his small hands leading the way, his heart pounding with exhilaration. 

Moved by his experience, Kyer created a touching poster, covered with his drawings of airplanes and thanking each person he met during his wish experience. But Kyer wasn’t the only one who was thankful. His courage, gratitude and joy impacted the entire community of volunteers, friends and family who shared in his experience.

And, who knows where that vibrant imagination will lead. It could just change the world.