Nic is funny, kindhearted, and determined to achieve his goals despite the challenges of living with a critical illness. Diagnosed with sickle cell disease, Nic was healthy growing up thanks to the support of his family and medical team. Unfortunately, when he began junior high, his condition suddenly changed. 

Nic went from visiting the hospital only for routine check-ups, to frequent long-term stays. He endured a six-month period of only being able to leave the house for his doctor’s appointments. This was hard on Nic and his entire family. 

During his extended time in the hospital, Nic would distract himself with some of his favorite things, baseball and Nintendo video games. Although he cannot play competitively, Nic loves watching baseball and playing with his friends. 

Throughout his medical journey, he and his family worked with a child life specialist who helped connect them to Make-A-Wish. When it came time to choose his wish, Nic’s mom said she encouraged him to think outside the box and choose something he could connect with in a special way. Thinking back to his love of baseball and Nintendo, Nic wished to go to Japan. He was interested in seeing a professional baseball game, a sumo wrestling match, visiting Nintendo attractions, and immersing himself in a new culture. Nic especially enjoyed having the agency to plan his own trip. As a kid who had lost so much control over his life due to illness, getting to make decisions and take charge of the trip was very special for him. 

During his wish, Nic enjoyed his time in Japan trying new foods, exploring local architecture, going to Pokémon and Nintendo stores, and of course watching a professional baseball game. The experience gave him hope for the future and opened a newfound sense of adventure in him. He was finally able to explore the culture and place he had always been so curious about. 

“It made something good come out of a hard time,” Nic’s mom, Amy said. “The wish itself was incredible, something we would have never been able to do.”

“This experience expanded his ideas about what is possible for him. He now is interested in seeing more of the world. It allowed him to see something good coming out of his years of suffering. Sickle cell has taken so much from him, and Nic’s wish allowed him to feel like he got something back. “