My son, Reid is an incredible young man. At just two-years old, he was already showing remarkable resilience. While most toddlers were discovering their first words, Reid was learning the names and dosages of eleven different medications. As he grew, instead of playdates and bike rides, his days were filled with medical appointments and hospital visits. But this year, Reid became a Wish Kid with Make-A-Wish Northeast New York, and we saw something magical – the joy and hope of his wish brought out a light in him we hadn’t seen before, filling him with dreams and possibilities.

Reid's medical journey began in infancy with a team of specialists at his side. Through monthly doctor visits and four surgeries, these medical procedures shaped his earliest years. Reid has marked many milestones most children don’t have to think about. Learning to swallow pills by age two, mastering specialized breathing techniques, and adapting to daily medical routines. One of his biggest challenges was receiving a feeding tube at age five to ensure proper nutrition.

This past September, Reid’s medical team determined he could have his feeding tube removed - just in time to start 7th grade. We also learned that Reid qualified for a wish from Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. Learning that Reid would receive a Wish sparked something magical in our family. The arrival of his Make-A-Wish welcome package felt like opening a door to endless possibilities. Inside was a special letter, the book Wishes Are Medicine!, and a plush sea turtle. Reid, who has always found comfort in stuffed animals, hugged that turtle tight as we began this journey of hope and discovery together.

The real magic unfolded when Reid stepped into the new Dr. J. Peter McPartlon Wishing Space in Saratoga Springs. His face lit up at seeing his picture projected on the wall. This wasn't just a meeting - it was a celebration of Reid.

The Wishing Space buzzed with energy as Reid explored every corner, from the towering stuffed animals and the immersion theater to the vintage arcade games. Each moment reminded us that this was about more than just a Wish - it was about joining a community of hope and possibility.

When Reid told the Make-A-Wish staff he wanted to visit theme parks in Florida, his eyes lit up as we began discussing plans and itineraries. The wish team listened to things he loved to do and made his dream a reality. The wish discovery process wasn’t just about a theme-park visit, but also creating an exciting journey filled with wonder and possibility.

Before we left that morning, Reid added his own leaf to the Wishing Woods - a reminder that he's now part of something truly extraordinary. Each leaf represents a child whose life has been touched by the power of a wish, and now Reid's story is woven into that tapestry of hope.

Make-A-Wish isn't just about granting wishes - it's about creating a community where dreams take flight and hope knows no bounds. It's about turning “what if” into “what's next” for children facing challenges far beyond their years.

With Gratitude, 

Karen, Wish Mom

We need your support so wishes like Reid’s can come true! Help us bring hope, strength, and joy to every child facing critical illness with a life-changing donation today.

Reid's family is back from their Orlando, Florida trip! We can't wait to share more from this magical Wish!