When Heidi Jones thinks back to the months surrounding her stepdaughter Josie’s diagnosis, she remembers a season defined by uncertainty, fear and the immense challenge of keeping her family together while navigating a life-changing medical journey.

Josie’s symptoms began years before her family had answers. What started as concerning changes to her eyesight led to countless appointments, MRIs and specialist visits. For years, doctors monitored an abnormality on her brain stem, hoping it would remain stable. Then, in late 2023, imaging revealed significant growth. A brain biopsy followed in February 2024, and within days, Josie began chemotherapy and radiation. Soon afterward, the family learned she was facing an aggressive form of cancer.

What followed tested the strength of every member of the Jones family.

While Josie underwent treatment in Kansas City, her father stayed by her side around the clock. Meanwhile, Heidi traveled back and forth between home and the hospital, caring for Josie’s younger sister, supporting her older brother, managing household responsibilities and continuing to work full time.

“Life doesn’t stop,” Heidi said. Even in the middle of a medical crisis, bills still need to be paid, work still needs to be done and siblings still need their parents.

The emotional toll was enormous. Their other two children struggled to understand the magnitude of the situation and why Josie was gone so often. Heidi and her husband were frequently separated as they divided responsibilities, and nearly every day revolved around treatments, appointments and difficult conversations about the future.

Yet throughout it all, Josie and her family kept moving forward.

At first, a wish wasn’t even on their minds, Heidi admits. Their focus was entirely on helping Josie get through treatment. But when conversations shifted away from scans, medications and prognosis and toward Josie’s dreams, interests and happiness, the family embraced the opportunity.

After exploring several possibilities, Josie chose a wish that reflected what mattered most to her: spending time with the people she loved. She wished for a family vacation to Atlantis in the Bahamas.

The surprise wish reveal became one of Heidi’s favorite memories. Thinking she was simply heading out for dinner, Josie walked into a room filled with family and friends celebrating her wish. After months of procedures and treatments, the joy on her face was unforgettable.

“It was so wonderful to see that light and that hope and that happiness,” Heidi said.

The anticipation of the adventure gave Josie something positive to focus on beyond her next appointment. Family conversations that had been dominated by cancer suddenly centered on beaches, adventures and the memories they would make together.

For a few days, the Jones family stepped away from treatment schedules and medical routines. They explored Atlantis, laughed, and created memories that had nothing to do with cancer. Josie even pushed through her fears to tackle towering water slides. One of Heidi’s favorite memories from Josie’s wish was meeting a dolphin named Cosmo, who seemed especially drawn to their family, as well as a memorable excursion that included swimming with pigs.

But for the Jones family, the most meaningful part of the experience wasn’t any single activity, it was being together.

Cancer had pulled the family in different directions, dividing their time between hospitals and home. During the getaway, Josie had uninterrupted time with her siblings, and Heidi and her husband were able to enjoy being together rather than alternating schedules. For a moment, they could simply be a family.

“It brought us all together,” Heidi said. “It gave us hope.”

That hope has extended far beyond the adventure itself.

Today, Josie is thriving and pursuing a future in radiologic technology, inspired by the healthcare professionals who cared for her throughout her journey. Her goal is to help people facing challenges similar to those she experienced herself. The experience also inspired Heidi and her husband to give back by sharing their story and volunteering to help make wishes come true for other children facing critical illnesses.

That Wish to Atlantis became one chapter in the Jones family’s journey, but the hope, joy and strength it inspired continue to shape the way they move forward, finding purpose in supporting others and embracing each new opportunity together.