"Since he was diagnosed so early, we knew there would be things we wouldn’t do, like soccer," said Zane's dad, Michael. "But it's always in the back of my mind, if not this, then what else can we do? We are always finding ways to help him adapt." 

While physical activities can be difficult, Zane has learned to exercise his mind instead. His curiosity has grown into a love of animals – inspiring his wish to be a zoo and aquarium keeper in San Diego.

“I helped clean the algae off of her shell,” Zane said with a smile. “And I put lettuce in her toys so she could go look for her food.” 

Zane also spent time at the San Diego Zoo and Birch Aquarium, where he saw more amazing marine life and giant lizards like the Komodo Dragon. 

Another highlight from the trip was looking for a friend for his stuffed turtles, Zippy and Zappy, who rarely leave his side. Luckily, during his trip, Zane found Ash, a stuffed axolotl, that now reminds him of the joy he felt on his wish. 

“We definitely have a lot of memories to look back on,” said his mom, Aimee. “He got an opportunity to do things that he normally wouldn’t be able to do.” 

“You remember experiences,” added Michael. “And that is what Make-A-Wish gives to families – experiences." 

Today, Zane’s insatiable curiosity continues to grow. He is learning to speak Spanish and Portuguese, loves to play chess, builds model planes, explores space through his telescope, and loves to adventure outside in his cub scout group! 

Before his wish trip, Zane also attended the Chi Omega Gala, where the Arizona State University sorority chapter raised over $33,000 to grant local wishes.

“He might have been a little shy, but when our Chi Omega girls asked him about his turtle tie clip and turtle stuffy, there was no way to turn down his excitement,” said Halah Berglin, Events Specialist at Make-A-Wish Arizona. “I guess you could say any talk about turtles got him right out of his shell!”

A love for reptiles, unwavering curiosity, and their diagnosis. Alexander wished for a virtual shopping spree in 2021 to set him up for success in college. 

Zane, whose illness has not progressed as far as his older brother’s, qualified for gene therapy this year. His family is hoping this treatment can provide Zane with a few more years of walking. 

"You always hear these stories growing up and never expect to be a part of that [Make-A-Wish] community," said Michael. "But it’s like a big family of people who are caring and understand that, you know, things happen but kids deserve to have a wish."