Lucy’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she arrived in Alaska, ready to experience its rich culture, explore the great outdoors, and witness the awe-inspiring glaciers she had only ever seen in pictures and documentaries. 

“The wish was definitely a taste of Alaska,” shared Lucy’s mom, Charissa. “Once you’re there, you realize the immensity and diversity of its different regions.” 

Ready to see glaciers up close, Lucy mounted a large draft horse named Tucker and set out into the rugged Alaskan wilderness.   

“It was so beautiful! We rode through forests and crossed rivers. Tucker didn’t like the freezing water and would try to jump over it, but I stayed in the saddle!” Lucy laughed as she recalled the adventure. 

Riding Tucker and hiking through the forest paid off when Lucy was rewarded with breathtaking glacier views.  

She remembers one special moment in particular: “We had to hike a little to get closer to the glacier, and as we approached, the water changed from dark blue to light blue at the edges. There were even chunks of solid ice floating!” 

But the adventures didn’t stop there. 

Lucy and her family took a thrilling ATV ride and were pulled by a team of huskies, eager to take them through the wild landscape. “Ready, let’s go!” Lucy exclaimed as they learned how to harness the dogs and prepare them for their big sled races. 

“I even got to hold and play with the husky puppies! It helps with their socialization,” Lucy added with a smile. 

In between these outdoor expeditions, Lucy also sampled Alaska’s unique local delicacies, including moose burgers, deer sausage, and Alaskan king crab. “The Alaskan king crab was my favorite!” she said. 

Though Lucy’s Alaskan adventure has ended, the wish memories will last a lifetime. Along with her incredible experiences, Lucy took home a beautiful jade bracelet—a keepsake of Alaska’s rich mineral heritage. She now has her own piece of that wonder to hold onto forever. 

Lucy dreams of returning to Alaska one day. “As we were getting ready to leave the airport, Lucy said, ‘I want to go back to Alaska!’” shared Charissa.

Critical illness doesn't take a break for the holidays. Instead of family gatherings and celebrations, kids may face hospital stays, harsh treatments and scary surgeries that can't wait until the new year.

When you help grant wishes for kids like Lucy, you create a turning point in their lives that can introduce a new chapter of hope and joy.