On June 12, Madison (Madi) Meyer turns five years old. And this year, she’s getting a present unlike any other, thanks to Make-A-Wish Iowa®.
Madi and her family (parents Breeana and Ryan and sisters Rylee and Aubree) loved camping in their travel trailer/RV. During COVID, it was a fun way to explore new places while staying connected as a family. Trips to the lake, state parks and more made their way into the Meyer family calendar throughout the summer and fall months. But in July 2022, the family calendar became filled with medical appointments when young Madi was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
“The smiles and enjoyment the family gets from camping bring Ryan and I so much joy,” said Madi’s mom, Breeana. “They get to be free and so creative with their adventures. Their sister bonds grow so strong during these times. Making the decision to sell the camper when Madison’s medical bills started coming in was very tough but not a question to help care for Madison. We knew at some point we would be back to camping again.”
And that they will on June 12 when Ryan, with the help of the Saylor Township Fire Department, surprises Madi with an all-new travel trailer. When she was connected with Make-A-Wish Iowa in January 2023 as part of her medical diagnosis, she didn’t hesitate to wish for the one thing she missed so much about life before a brain tumor. “When our team found out Madi wished to have a travel trailer, we got to work with our National Make-A-Wish team and partners at Camping World who often assist us with finding a great trailer to fit the needs of our wish families,” said Caely Tietz, wish manager for Make-A-Wish Iowa. “We have a very close relationship with our local Camping World dealerships, including the Cedar Falls location, where we found Madi’s trailer. The whole family is really excited about being able to reconnect over one of their favorite pastimes.”
The trailer will be outfitted for the family of five, including special requests from Madi, such as a designated toy chest for her barbies and dolls, a bathroom with a toilet, shower and sink, and soft blankets to cuddle up and watch movies with her sister before bedtime.
Research from Make-A-Wish shows the power of a wish is truly remarkable. In their recent “Impact of a Wish” study, 94% of wish kid parents recalled seeing improvement in their child’s emotional well-being, so much so that 91% of parents reported the wish gave their child a better chance of surviving their illness.
“We are thrilled to see Madi get her wish fulfilled and know it will bring the whole family happiness for years to come,” said Sara Kurovski, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Iowa. “When critically ill children have their wish come true, it’s not only an incredible experience for them, but it also provides the hope, strength and resiliency they need to fight their disease.
Now that camping season is in full swing, this year’s memories made around a campfire will be all the more special for Madi and her family. Madi’s wish is one of more than an estimated 200 that will be granted through Make-A-Wish Iowa in 2023. To be part of the magic, learn more about in-kind, monetary and service donations at https://wish.org/iowa.