Jayce’s journey began before he entered the world. His mother, Brittnei, remembers the fear and uncertainty of her pregnancy. At just 30 weeks, doctors knew there were complications. “They just knew that at that point it was safer for him to be out…even though he was going to be extremely premature,” she recalls. But nothing could prepare her for the moment he was born—silent, struggling, surrounded by a room full of doctors and nurses. “He wasn’t making any noise…he wasn’t crying,” she continues.

From his very first breath, Jayce faced a battle. Diagnosed with kidney disease, he was connected to wires, tubes, and machines. The NICU became his first home. “As a mom…it’s hard to sit there and watch your kid get poked and prodded,” Brittnei shares. He endured countless surgeries and procedures before starting dialysis. For two years, his young life was shaped by long nights of dialysis, endless hospital visits, and the hope for a kidney transplant. “When kids have to be in the hospital for an extended amount of time, you don’t get that time back,” Brittnei laments.

But through it all, Jayce’s spirit remained bright. One thing always brought him joy—fire trucks.

From the time he was little, sirens and flashing lights would make him light up with excitement. “Mommy, Daddy, it’s a fire truck!” he would shout whenever he saw one on the road. His love for firefighters only grew as he played with his own toy fire trucks at home. His parents noticed how much he loved them; always pointing them out and always dreaming.

Then, after years of uncertainty, a new chapter began. Jayce received a life-changing kidney transplant; giving him the freedom to just be a kid. And with that newfound freedom came the chance to have a wish—a wish to become a firefighter.

Two years after his transplant, Jayce’s wish came true in the most incredible way; he was officially called to duty and reported for his first shift at the St. Clair Shores Fire Department. The day began with an unforgettable limo ride to the station, where a team of firefighters stood waiting to welcome their newest recruit. Jayce was sworn in as an official firefighter, and donned his very own gear. His excitement was contagious as he climbed into the fire truck with the sirens blaring; his dream becoming reality.

For the first time in his life, he wasn’t connected to wires or hospital machines. “He really, really enjoyed himself,” Brittnei said. “I’m just so grateful to Make-A-Wish for putting it together…It will always be a day to remember. Always.”

Jayce’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of a wish. After years of fighting for his health, he finally got to experience the pure joy of childhood. His journey is a reminder that wishes don’t just bring happiness for a day— they create memories that last a lifetime.