Make-A-Wish^® Nevada

As a single mom of eight, Kendra knows what it is like to go through hardship and come out better. Recently, her son Jayson, who battles muscular dystrophy, suffered a severe stroke and needed a life-saving heart transplant. As terrifying as the whole ordeal was, Kendra held strong as the family's rock through the difficult time. Relief came when they learned that Jayson was going to receive a heart from a former MMA fighter named Athena.

Post-surgery, Kendra recognizes Jayson as a new person and has been handling his recovery - from follow-up appointments and hospitalizations - like a true champion.

As a fan of UFC since he was a little kid, when Jayson learned that he was eligible to receive a life-changing wish from Make-A-Wish, he knew that he wanted to have the ultimate UFC experience. The team at UFC made sure that this young fighter was able to get his wish and then some.

Along with his mom and four of his siblings, Jayson spent UFC 285: Jones vs. Gane fight week in Las Vegas face-to-face with the fighters. From getting a UFC HQ tour with Hall of Famer, Forrest Griffin, to being able to participate in the ceremonial weigh-ins at MGM Grand Garden Arena where he met UFC President, Dana White, Jayson was treated like a superstar the whole time.

For Kendra, the week was filled with emotion. 

"I have eight kids, Jayson is six of eight. You teach your kids, you learn as you go - both parent and child - and you just make the best of it. Being able to do this wish with Jayson and my other kids was phenomenal. I can't believe that you guys do these things for people all the time. It really touched my family."

As far as where Jayson's transplant came from, Kendra and the family keep Athena close to their heart. 

"Jayson’s experience was a dream that many have, but few get to realize,” she said. “Jayson will never forget this experience. In a way, two dreams were realized, as Jayson became a part of UFC, and Athena, his heart donor, stepped inside the ring one more time.”

"Tommy's wish brought such positivity and a type of joy that is difficult to describe," said Wish Mom, Heather, as she recalled her son Tommy's 2014 wish trip to Walt Disney World. "I really had no idea the level of love and joy and happiness that we would be showered with by so many people. It was a really reaffirming moment for me as a mother."

The joy of a heartfelt wish come true is often shared by the entire family. Tommy's wish had such an impact on Wish Mom Heather that she committed to giving back to the organization that had made their whole family feel so loved and cared for. Heather joined the Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada board of directors in 2017 and now serves as the Board Chairwoman. 

Heather loves being a mother and championing Make-A-Wish to anyone she meets. On Mother's Day, she looks forward to doing her favorite thing - spending time with her boys. 

"I love getting to spend time with my children and to me that is the most important thing that I ever do on Mother's Day. I am so grateful for both of my children ... and being given the gift of being their mom."