At age 8, Jeshua and his family were living in a very rural area of a nearby state when he was diagnosed with leukemia. He was transported and admitted to the hospital seven hours away from home. Like many children living with a critical illness, he had to endure countless medical appointments, treatments and procedures, compounded by lengthy hospital stays. This time was particularly challenging for Jeshua, as he was very isolated from his loved ones due to distance. So, his family made the difficult decision to leave their home and move to Minnesota where they could be together with the best medical facilities close by. It was in this time of difficult transition that Jeshua learned his wish to go to the Walt Disney World® Resort and see the ocean would be granted.  

Research shows a wish experience can be a game-changer in the fight to return to health. Make-A-Wish Minnesota provided hope when Jeshua most needed it during his journey. With so many barriers and challenges to overcome, the experience of looking beyond treatment and thinking about a wish and joyful things to do gave Jeshua and his family something positive to rally around.  

Jeshua and his family recently returned from Florida, where Jeshua’s mom, Chenee, said they made lifelong memories. She shared, “We are so grateful for Jeshua’s wish. We were able to experience something so wonderful together as a family, and see Jeshua be truly happy and carefree once again.” We join Jeshua’s mom, Chenee, in thanking our supporters for restoring hope for children like Jeshua when they need it most.