Andrew’s health took an unexpected turn shortly after his first birthday. During a family vacation, an emergency hospital visit led to devastating news. Andrew had a brain tumor.
Over the next eight months, Andrew endured two emergency surgeries, six rounds of chemotherapy, and three stem cell transplants.
“We were a divided family,” said Andrew’s mom, Amy. “We felt very isolated.”
During treatment, Andrew’s care team filled his hospital room with pictures of his favorite animals. Regular visits from service dogs brought comfort and joy during long days of care. Those small moments became a bright spot in an otherwise overwhelming journey and sparked Andrew’s deep love for animals.
So when Andrew learned he would be granted a wish, his family knew his wish had to involve the animals that brought him so much comfort.
“Our WishMakers helped us brainstorm, and we landed on the idea of him being a zookeeper for the day,” Amy said. “He just loves animals so much.”
Thanks to a compassionate community of WishMakers like you, Andrew’s wish came true.
He spent the day caring for animals, feeding camels crunchy lettuce, and meeting gentle giraffes who leaned in to say hello. For the first time in two years, Andrew and his family shared meaningful, stress free time together.
“For Make-A-Wish to come around us and for people to help us, it’s truly impactful,” Amy said. “It changed our lives forever. We didn’t feel alone anymore. Seeing the joy on Andrew’s face and on his sister’s face was incredible. Those memories will stay with us for a lifetime.”
Wishes like Andrew’s do not happen by chance. They happen because of WishMakers like you.
This World Wish Month, become a WishMaker and help deliver hope, strength, and joy to children facing critical illnesses. As long as kids like Andrew are fighting for their health, they are counting on you.