At 4 years old, Conrad is the kind of kid who brings his own sunshine with him.

He loves being outside, splashing in the pool, going to the beach and spending time with the people who love him most. He’s a huge Miss Rachel fan and, like many big brothers, he knows exactly how to keep his 1 1⁄2-year-old sister on her toes.

Conrad’s mom describes him as friendly, strong-willed and full of warmth. He has a way of connecting with people that has been inspiring to watch. For his family, seeing this side of Conrad’s spirit has been a gift.

“The last two years, we’ve kind of been learning what his vibe is,” his mom, Austyn, shared. “Because that’s when he got his kidney. Before that, he was just extremely sick.”

Today, Conrad is joyful, curious and ready for adventure. But for much of his early life, his world was shaped by hospital rooms, daily care and a fight his family began before he was even born.

A Long Road

Before Conrad was born, his family learned that he had a rare condition called lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO). In simple terms, his body could not move urine the way it needed to, which caused serious problems for his kidneys.

At just 7 days old, Conrad started dialysis. He spent the first six months of his life in the NICU, surrounded by machines, monitors and the care team working to help him grow strong enough for the next step.

When Conrad finally came home, life was still far from simple. Each night, he spent 12 hours connected to a machine. His parents managed medications, feeding support and daily care, doing everything they could to give him the best quality of life possible while they waited and hoped for a kidney transplant.

When Conrad was 2, his family began looking for a donor. At first, both of his parents were ruled out. Then, through what his mom calls a miracle, they met a surgeon in Atlanta who found a way for Conrad’s dad to donate his kidney.

The transplant gave Conrad a new lease on life. While it didn’t erase every challenge—he still has ongoing care, medications, therapy and regular appointments—it changed what was possible.

Now, Conrad is thriving. He has overcome more than most people can imagine, and while his journey is not over, he keeps moving forward in his own unmistakable way.

As his mom put it, “He does so in style".

A Wish On Wheels

Conrad is still learning to communicate with words, so when it came time to choose his wish, his parents paid close attention to what made him light up. The answer kept coming back to the same simple joys: being outside, going for rides and listening to music.

Conrad’s “granddude” is a classic car collector, and vehicles have long been part of their family’s story. But the moment that helped everything click came when Conrad took his first ride on his granddude’s golf cart.

“This kid was so excited, like squealing,” Austyn said. “I’ve never even heard him squeal. He just loved it.”

A golf cart became so much more than a ride for Conrad. It gave him the freedom to be outdoors, the joy of movement, and the chance to explore alongside his family—away from the crowds.

For his wish reveal, Conrad’s family planned the day around another milestone: his two-year kidney anniversary. They were already celebrating the gift that changed his life. Then Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida volunteers arrived with one more reason to celebrate.

At first, Conrad was quiet, taking in the people and the surprise. Then the music came on.

“As soon as the music went on, he’s like, ‘Okay, let’s go,’” his mom said.

All afternoon, his family took turns driving while he rode and rode, soaking up every minute.

More Than a Ride

Now, the golf cart is waiting in the garage whenever Conrad needs a ride, a song, or a reason to smile. In the evenings, when the Florida heat starts to soften, his family can buckle in and head out together.

Sometimes they ride through the neighborhood just for fun. Other times, they take it to the playground instead of loading everyone into the car. It is simple, easy and close to home, which is exactly what makes it so meaningful.

After years of appointments, labs, medications and therapy, the golf cart gives Conrad something that has nothing to do with medical care. Not another task to manage or milestone to reach. Just joy.

“It’s a hobby and an outlet,” Austyn said. “We get to do it together.”

The wish has become a way for the whole family to pause and enjoy Conrad as he is right now: happy, curious, surrounded by people who love him and always ready for one more ride.

Help More Wish Kids Find Their Road to Joy

For Conrad and his family, the golf cart is more than a fun ride. It’s a celebration of how far he’s come and how much joy can fit into an ordinary afternoon.

You can help create more life-changing moments for wish kids across Central and Northern Florida. Donate, volunteer or attend a local event today.