A side-by-side comparison of two photos. The left is of wish alum Paige as a young child during illness; the right is of Paige as a college student.

Where Are They Now: Paige

Paige with her SmartBoard while going through treatment (left) and Paige as a college student now (right).

In 2011, a young girl from Okemos was diagnosed with medulloblastoma resulting in proton therapy and chemotherapy. When asked if she could wish for anything, Paige wanted a SmartBoard. 

"When I was younger, it was my dream to become a teacher," Paige explained. "Therefore, the idea of having the technology that my teachers had at school in my bedroom was so exciting. I would be able to 'play' school in my bedroom at a whole new level. At the time, I didn't even think of the SmartBoard helping me through school, so that was just a bonus. My wish gave me something to do when I was stuck in my house due to my immune system being insufficient."

My wish gave me something to do when I was stuck in my house due to my immune system being insufficient.
Paige, wish alum

Her family and friends surprised her one day at home with a wish reveal party where she received her SmartBoard, projector, TV, camera and laptop. "I had no idea that it was happening, and I walked into a house full of amazing people celebrating me and my wish," Paige said. 

Today, Paige is a student at Michigan State University where she also works for the MSU football team. "I have chosen to pursue nursing, as I have had some of the best nurses growing up," Paige said. "I look forward to being able to help others receive the care they need."