I wish to meet the Seattle Kraken
Caleb
4
leukemia
Wish Kid Caleb Makes Seattle Kraken History: Three-year-old Signs One-Day
When Caleb was just two years old, his parents knew that something wasn’t right. Evening fevers, frequent sweating, easy bruising and a rapid decline in energy led them to the pediatrician. After a series of tests and a bone marrow biopsy, their world changed forever. Caleb had leukemia.
Over the next 13 months, Caleb was in and out of the hospital for varying lengths. His treatment included chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, immunotherapy, infusions and some overnight stays. It was during that difficult time that he got a dose of joy when he received the news that he qualified for a wish.
Caleb wished – in his own words – “to be a hockey team.” In three-year-old speak, that means he wished to meet the Seattle Kraken.
“When Caleb’s wish request came across my desk, I knew we could score big for him,” said Trina Cottingham, president & CEO of Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington and Caleb’s wish manager. “We had granted another wish with the Kraken, and they were a dream to work with, so we knew Caleb would be in great hands as the team rallied to grant the perfect wish that was uniquely designed for him.”
In the summer of 2025, Buoy, the Kraken mascot, flew to Anchorage and surprised Caleb by telling him that his wish would come true later that season!
Fast forward to January 2026, Caleb and his family traveled from Anchorage to Seattle for an unforgettable three‑day wish experience. The excitement began the moment they landed. When Buoy, the Kraken mascot, surprised Caleb at the airport.
On day two, Caleb attended a Kraken game, which kicked off with a behind‑the‑scenes tour of the facility. He had the chance to meet players, high-five them in the players’ tunnel just before the game and even participated in the team’s iconic “surge” tradition to start the game.
Day three Caleb and his family enjoyed a private experience at the Kraken Iceplex, where he skated with Buoy, met additional members of the team and signed a one-day contract to become an honorary Kraken player.
“I think it’s important for our players to be able to bring joy and levity to the lives of our wish kids and their families during difficult times,” said DeAira Anderson, senior media relations manager at the Seattle Kraken. “Sports are an amazing way to bring people together and have a positive impact on someone’s life one wish at a time."
Wishes remind children and their families that they are seen, valued and supported. Beyond its impact on wish kids and their families, Caleb’s wish also highlights the incredible power of community — spreading hope and joy to everyone who helps bring a wish to life.
Special thanks to wish-granting volunteers Kristi E Johnson and Danielle Marie Mesloh, photo volunteer Jonathan Owens, videography volunteer Scott Harder, and, of course, our friends at the Seattle Kraken!
