Michael's Wish Gifts Joy and Happiness for the Entire Family

Kyeeisha, Michael’s mother, felt something was wrong when her son complained about some unusual stomach pain. It turned out that Michael had a serious complication that required immediate medical attention.

“The doctor said if he waited two or three more weeks, he would have gone into septic shock and he would have died,” Kyeeisha said.

Michael ended up spending nearly four months in the hospital. As a mother, it was emotionally trying for Kyeeisha. “I didn’t want him to see that I was breaking down because he got his strength from me and I got my strength from him,” Kyeeisha said.

When Make-A-Wish^® invited Michael to think about his most heartfelt wish, he wanted to choose a trip that his entire family, including his five brothers and sisters, could enjoy. Michael decided the place to go was the Walt Disney World^® Resort.  

When the family got off the plane and saw a limo driver holding a sign with Michael’s name, it was a pivotal moment. “I was crying. Michael was so shocked, too. He was like, ‘This is real. I can’t believe this is really happening!’ He was overjoyed,” Kyeeisha said.

Through the generosity of Disney, Michael and his family enjoyed a week full of adventure. Michael got to meet Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck and go on thrilling rides, including Splash Mountain and Space Mountain. “Michael was able to just have fun and feel like a kid again,” Kyeeisha said.

Now in 8th grade, Michael looks back on his wish experience as a source of physical and emotional strength. Kyeeisha reflects on Michael’s wish as an unforgettable memory that brought a light of hope and joy – and a piece of childhood – back to her son.

“I hadn’t seen that smile of his in a long time,” Kyeeisha said. “For him to have that life in him again meant the world to me.”

For the past 40 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have been bringing magic when it matters most. Together, we’ve made more than 140,000 wishes come true for children around the world just like Michael, and we’re just getting started.