In the several weeks leading up to Levi’s wish reveal, the 16-year-old boy had been asking his parents 15 times a day when his shed would arrive. When the day finally arrived, Levi could not hold in his excitement.

“This [wish] has been one of the things keeping Levi going during the pandemic because it’s been such a difficult time to stay at home,” Levi’s dad, Jeremy, explained. “Whenever he starts to struggle and not understand, we look forward to this day. We remind him that ‘Hey, you may not be able to do this right now, but your wish is coming.’ It’s pretty special to still be able to have a wish granted during the pandemic.”

Levi, of Alden, was born with a genetic condition that resulted in a congenital heart condition as well as a missing kidney, among numerous other challenges. When his cardiologist referred him to Make-A-Wish, Levi wished for an outdoor shed like the one he had at his family’s former house before they moved years ago.

“Most kids when they’re 16 are excited about getting their driver’s license,” Levi’s mom, Sarah, said. “That’s not in the future for Levi right now. He wants to feel like a big kid. This is a place where he can hang out, play his ukulele and have his friends over.”

Pure joy adorned Levi’s face when his wish was granted. Not only was he excited about the activities he could enjoy right now, but the fun that awaits him this winter. His shed sits near the bottom of the family’s sledding hill, so the family plans to enjoy warming up in his shed with hot chocolate after sledding.

“When you go through something really difficult, it’s just so unique and special to see a smile on his face and how happy he is to get this gift,” Jeremy said. “Make-A-Wish helps those dreams come true.”