Perspective is powerful. For 18-year-old Hunter, being diagnosed with a critical illness changed his view on life. When Make-A-Wish entered his journey, Hunter felt ready to focus on the future – something to help him see past illness. He set his gaze on a wish.

With a desire to attend Eastern Washington University and major in video production, Hunter wished for film equipment. Learning to wield the power of a lens, Hunter can use video storytelling to shape how others see the world.

Hunter’s dad, Corey, said, “His wish gave him something exciting to look forward to during the hardest times through his battle with cancer. It was such a blessing for him to know that there were people out there willing to do everything they could to make his wish (to be a filmmaker) come true.”

Make-A-Wish partnered with Little Fish Productions in Spokane to enhance Hunter’s dream. On Hunter’s wish day, owner Rob Culp and his employees gathered in the studio to welcome Hunter and his family, offering them a VIP tour through the studio.

Dad, Corey, said, “Hunter was so excited he could not stand still. I could see the excitement radiating from him.”

After the tour, Hunter’s wish-granting volunteers, Erin and Brenda, along with VP of Regional Offices at Make-A-Wish, Angela Miller, beckoned Hunter to a table filled with goodies and gifts. As Hunter opened each gift-wrapped package, shyly basking in the limelight, Little Fish employees ‘ooed’ and ‘awed’ as he unveiled each treasure.

As Culp explained how to put the equipment together, he said, “The only way you get good is by creating something terrible from the start.”

And with those wise words sparking artistic discovery, Hunter felt inspired to walk forward – away from his terrible chapter of illness and into something good. And he walked away with new film equipment and a grin as he told his dad about all his movie ideas.

Corey said, “Watching my son battle cancer is the hardest thing I have ever done. Make-A-Wish is the best organization in the world, and I cannot think of a better cause than to brighten a child’s day when they’re going through unimaginable struggles.”