Make-A-Wish^® Southern Florida, Inc.

Luke, a 12-year-old boy from Fort Myers, battles severe Hemophilia B. He has been fascinated with lighthouses ever since he saw a lighthouse during a 4th grade field trip to St. Augustine. When the blindfold was removed and Luke could see his lighthouse-themed man cave for the first time, he said, "Holy cow." Surrounded by his loved ones, his wish granters and Make-A-Wish friends, Luke cut the ribbon to his wish come true.

As he first entered his man cave with his friends, Luke exclaimed, "I feel like I am in the party zone." His mother April said, "I'm so happy that he's happy. I'm overjoyed." Luke and his friends piled into the 2-story 15-foot-tall lighthouse for what will certainly be the first of many hangouts in the nautical masterpiece. Among the essentials in his new hideaway are an air conditioner, cozy floor pillows, electricity and a basketball hoop. His wish is a beacon of light that will help him through any tough times ahead.

Norman Wedderburn, Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida president and CEO, was thrilled to celebrate Luke’s wish and its historic impact as the chapter’s 10,000^th wish. He said, “Today is a great day. As we celebrate Luke’s wish and his special day, we also celebrate the remarkable milestone of granting 10,000 wishes. I am reminded of the 20,000 volunteers who helped to make these wishes come true, along with the incredible support of our generous donors, our visionary board and our dedicated staff. It makes me very proud.”    

Rick & Barb Gallo, who sponsored Luke’s wish along with the Wishketeers, their 2014 Walk For Wishes team, were there for the big reveal. Barb said, “When you give, you get so much more in return. Being here for Luke's wish just makes me want to give more and more."

Special thanks also go to Norman Love Confections for making a delicious cake that is a mini replica of Luke’s man cave, and to Zaxby’s, a Make-A-Wish National Partner, for providing refreshments for Luke and his backyard full of special guests.

To view photos from Luke’s wish, click here.

Wish Granters: Nina LeFlore & Deborah Moriarty
Referred by Maria Santaella, his nurse
Wish adopted by Rick & Barb Gallo and the Wishketeers, their 2014 Walk For Wishes team