I wish to be an astronaut and go to space
TJ
9
cancer
To Emerado ... and Beyond!
When wish granters met with TJ, age 9 from Emerado ND, he easily spoke about all of his favorite things - cheese pizza and chicken, chocolate covered donuts and sprinkles, math class, science, video games, and fishing. With each thing he listed, TJ's face brightened up just a little bit more and wish granters knew they had a world of options for helping TJ determine his wish. But then, TJ unleashed the big one.
He started talking about space.
"TJ would watch a lot of videos on space and that would help him get through his treatment because it would take his mind off of what he was having to go through," said Terry, TJ's dad.
TJ wants to be an astronaut, specifically an architect astronaut.
Thus began TJ's wish journey.
Wish granters learned that he is enamored with NASA and wanted the opportunity to meet real astronauts and ask them questions. Furthermore, he dreamed of exploring a spacecraft and learning all about the wonders of outer space. They did such a great job discovering what TJ loves, it was clear how to craft his wish - he got to visit Kennedy Space Center and go on his own unique adventure.
Once the wish was planned, all that was left was the big reveal. TJ's wish granters wanted to make it special for TJ, and they truly aimed for the stars! They coordinated with a team at the University of North Dakota to give TJ a fun experience full of spaceflight simulations, trying on a spacesuit, and even getting to see what it's like to live on Mars!
When TJ and his family arrived at the Kennedy Space Center, they were able to take tours of the spacecrafts just like TJ wanted. He also got to play 20 (and more) questions with astronauts while they helped him complete STEM activities the center had planned just for TJ and his family!
TJ and his family had so much fun, TJ now plans to move to Florida!
"Throughout the week, everyone treated TJ and our family so well and really went above and beyond!" Terry said.
Our team was connected to TJ and his family by dedicated medical professionals who knew they could use some strength, hope, and joy, and we want to give other families the same opportunity, but we need your help to do it. Consider referring a child today.
