Jen and Make-A-Wish Metro New York Turn 40
For 40 years, Make-A-Wish Metro New York has been granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, including children like Jen, who is also celebrating her 40th birthday this year.
Heart to Heart
Jen described most of her childhood as happy and healthy until an unexpected virus caused her to go into cardiac arrest when she was 13. Her parents were told to say goodbye to their daughter with little hope that she would make it. However, one doctor, whom Jen likes to call her "guardian angel," had faith he could stabilize her — and he did.
While waiting for her heart transplant, Jen looked forward to her time with the Make-A-Wish staff. She loved chatting about her upcoming wish and remembers being gifted a teddy bear to keep with her in the hospital. "Make-A-Wish played such an important role. I always think you need something in the hospital to give you hope or something to look forward to," Jen said. When Jen was told she had a wish, she knew exactly where she wanted to go — Walt Disney World.
Jen’s Fairytale Wish
Even though Jen's family grew up going to Disney World, her wish trip to Disney was a one-of-a-kind experience. Jen stayed in the Give Kids the World Village, a fully accessible resort that offers magical experiences for kids with critical illnesses. "I remember getting there, and I was just mesmerized. It looked like a live-action Candyland, with a carousel and ice cream whenever you wanted. That was the whole magic of it. This place was supposed to be your fairytale," Jen said.
A Wish for a Lifetime
For Jen, being able to share her story and positive outlook is what motivates her. "It's hard when you're going through it. When you're in the storm. But talking to people, having those positive vibes, and knowing you're not alone is important in itself," Jen stated.
Through her experience with cardiomyopathy, Jen wakes up every day feeling grateful for her life and health and takes advantage of it by going back to Disney whenever she can. "These memories go along with you. Being a Make-A-Wish child is not just something from when you're a child, but I am still telling people about it now, and I'm 40," Jen said.