This affects much more than the gland itself by altering his growth, mood and developmental functions. In addition to the physical toll Drake’s disorder takes, it has created many challenges in his life, a large one being difficulty making friends. It’s not as easy for Drake to go out and play like other 12 year olds. He really appreciates when people can truly understand his condition, as it’s very difficult for him to have to explain it to others. 

Drake places a lot of value in his relationship with his classmates and his teachers. According to his mother, Drake loves school. “That’s his sacred place to be because he gets to be himself and he is around people who understand him. When he leaves that classroom, he doesn’t feel the support and the love that he should.” Through COVID-19, Drake has obviously really missed attending school.  

When Drake and his family were introduced to Make-A-Wish Maine, it was important to him and his mom that the wish would make him feel accepted and comfortable. These pressing times made things a bit more complicated, but the Make-A-Wish team found a way to work around it. Drake ended up creating a list of things he wanted for a shopping spree. His list included toys, furniture for his room, craft supplies and more. On the day of his wish, Make-A-Wish Maine organized a parade that had his teachers from school, firefighters, police officers, and members of the Make-A-Wish team driving by his home. At the end of the parade, the last few cars had his shopping spree gifts in them!