Seventeen-year-old Marissa seized for first time in 4th grade at school. It has been a hurdle that impacts her life since then.

“Unfortunately, it has taken away a lot of my freedom,” explains Marissa.

Marissa has known since she was little that she wanted to be a nurse. Her RNS device has allowed her increased freedom and fortunately, she has not had a seizure since May.

“It made me cry happy tears,” Marissa says about finding out her wish to go to Hawaii would come true.

Marissa’s favorite part of her trip was attending a luau and swimming with a dolphin! She had an incredible and memorable experience with her family on a trip she doesn’t think she could do without Make-A-Wish.

“I have never traveled outside of New England because of my epilepsy, and this was my first time on a plane and I absolutely loved it!”

“They went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. Make-A-Wish understands the impact a lifelong illness has on the entire family,” says Marissa. “I’m incredibly thankful for that opportunity that I was given.”