You can make wishes a reality for kids like Luke, a ten-year-old from Eden Prairie who had a liver transplant and wished to have a ninja warrior course. A team of volunteers from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Cares built Luke’s course in one day while Luke was at school. Luke knew his wish was coming true but his family kept the actual date of the wish a secret so they could surprise him after school. When Luke arrived home his reaction went from surprise to confusion to excitement in just a few seconds. He jumped up and down saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Luke energetically ran around his backyard trying out all of the equipment on his ninja warrior course - the zip line was clearly his favorite.  The course also includes a warped wall, quintuple steps, a salmon ladder, monkey bars and more. Afterward Luke said, “We’re the house that has the best backyard in the neighborhood! This was a very special thing that happened in my life.”

Wishes like Luke’s are so important to a child facing critical illness. His mom Samantha said, “When you have a child, you have this idea of what it’s going to be like for them. And when that doesn’t happen, there’s sadness. This ninja warrior course was a perfect fit for him because not only is it something he can do on his own, he can do it with his friends and sister, and he can continue to grow into.”

Luke's wish is our featured story this Give to the Max Day, Minnesota's annual giving holiday on November 18, 2021. Your generous support will give amazing wish kids like Luke confidence and assure them they are not alone. Knowing their neighbors and friends are behind them will give wish kids the strength they need to fight their illnesses. 

Help Make-A-Wish Minnesota grant the wish of every eligible child in our state.  Your commitment to wish children and families is critical. Thank you for your generous support! 

Thank you to our match sponsors: Margaret C. Mueller Memorial Fund and Great River Energy!

Luke’s wish was supported by the Costello family, NARI Cares and Make-A-Wish® Central & Western North Carolina.