Read in Mandarin

Five-year-old Ringo from Milpitas has been fascinated by all things military for as long as his mom, Chia Chia, can remember. He even dreams of becoming a soldier one day.  

“Ringo is sweet and shy,” Chia Chia says. “His favorite things are all sorts of military, police, and firefighter books and toys. Whenever we see soldiers or police, he can’t wait to take pictures. Our phone is full of them.”   

His draw to the bravery of soldiers and first responders may not be a coincidence—because for most of his young life, Ringo has been bravely fighting a battle of his own.  

When he was just 2 years old, Ringo’s family noticed something unusual about his right eye. “He would hit above his right eye with his hand, like he was fighting it,” Chi Chia recalls. “He couldn’t see properly, but we didn't know.” 

Doctors soon discovered a tumor in Ringo’s right eye. He immediately began treatment at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital of San Francisco, where he underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy. His medical team also prepared the family for the possibility that Ringo might lose his eye. 

“His tumor was at such a life-threatening stage that Ringo might have needed to have his eyeball removed,” Chia Chia explains. “It was all to save his life. Fortunately, we were very lucky. The tumor was large, but it was killed—so, there are eyeballs, and there is life.”     

It was a UCSF social worker who referred Ringo to Make‑A‑Wish Greater Bay Area. When he heard the news, Ringo knew exactly what he wanted: to visit a real military base. 

With the help of the team at Make-A-Wish San Diego, Ringo’s wish came true in March 2025. Ringo, his mom, and stepdad, Weinan, headed to San Diego for a visit with HSC‑3, a United States Navy multi‑role combat helicopter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station North Island. 

Ringo received his very own flight suit and helmet and spent the day meeting real servicemembers as he toured the base. He even had an epic Nerf blaster battle on the beach with members of the squadron!

“He was everywhere—on the tarmac, in the repair shop,” Chia Chia says. “He was curious about every little detail.”  

“I got to see every place there,” Ringo adds enthusiastically. “I really liked it.”  

For Chia Chia, what stood out most was the transformation she saw in her son.

Before his wish trip, Ringo was always close by her side, she explains. But when the commanding officer arrived to greet them, Ringo stepped up all on his own—calm and ready to go.   

“He didn’t need me at all,” she says proudly. “I will always remember that scene. I was behind him like someone chasing a celebrity. When the doors opened, my son saw two rows of officers there. He shook hands with them and walked in so confidently.” 

At one point, the commander helped Ringo put on his protective eye patch. The officers applauded, cheering him on.   

“This is a scene I remind him of,” Chia Chia says, smiling. “Sometimes when Ringo misbehaves or doesn't listen, I tell him, ‘Do you remember when you put on the eye patch and everyone cheered for you? Because you are a warrior.’" 

At the end of the wish day, the commander presented Ringo with a framed photo signed by everyone he had met. “That frame holds great significance for us,” Chia Chia says. “Every blessing from everyone can help him fight every day.” 

The next day, Ringo’s wish continued with a visit to the USS Midway Museum, a historical naval aircraft carrier museum, where he eagerly explored more of America’s military history.  

For Ringo, it was the perfect finale to the ultimate military experience. “He’ll remember this forever,” says Chia Chia.  

Today, the green flight suit Ringo received is one of his most prized possessions. “I hand-wash it every time,” Chia Chia laughs. “But he loves wearing it so much that it’s already falling apart.” 

The well-loved flight suit isn’t the only thing from his wish that he’s carried with him. As Ringo has gotten older, he's become increasingly anxious about his hospital visits, especially anesthesia. But his wish experience with HSC‑3 continues to inspire him, reminding him that if he wants to be a soldier, he must face his fears. 

Today, Ringo is full of life, says Chia Chia, and is always proud to share his wish experience with anyone who will listen. “Yes, yes,” he says with a grin. “I share it with people everywhere.”  

For his family, the wish was more than a special trip—it helped them move forward, one day at a time. 

“Make-A-Wish gave us that experience, and then we started to turn the page,” Chia Chia says. “A child’s wish can truly save his life. If I were to define Make‑A‑Wish ... to me, you are angels.”