I wish to have a computer gaming system
Allie
15
gastrointestinal disorder
Wish kid Allie finds hope online
Allie has a passion for video games. She loves to play online, compete with others, and watch livestreams from other players. More important than the games are the people: the close friends she has made online have become a crucial support system, particularly in recent years.
Unfortunately, Allie’s condition means that she is in pain every day, and doctors are still searching for something to alleviate her symptoms. Due to her illness, Allie is homeschooled and limits her social interactions. “She doesn’t let or want people knowing she has an illness,” says her dad, Jason. “She keeps it all private.”
Allie has found comfort and connection online.
But when she’s online, everything feels different—it’s the one place where she doesn’t feel like she’s being judged. “Her online friends are the one true thing that keeps her going,” explains Jason. “They laugh and talk all night long.”
It was Allie’s aunt who first referred her to Make-A-Wish. After seeing her in and out of the hospital for over a year, she knew that Allie was in desperate need of something to pick up her spirits.
Excited and invigorated, Allie wished for a new computer, headset, mouse, microphone, keyboard, and monitor. This new setup would allow her to take her gaming to the next level—she could play more competitively and even begin streaming her own gameplay.
Once Allie learned that her wish would be coming true, “she counted down the days,” says Jason. “She kept asking when her computer was coming. I told her that patience is best.”
The team at Make-A-Wish worked closely with our partners at computer hardware company ASUS to find the perfect setup to bring Allie’s dreams to life. ASUS generously donated a top-of-the-line high-definition TUF Gaming Monitor to help Allie see her games in perfect resolution. They also provided some extra- special swag to enhance the wish.
“Allie put on the ASUS sweatshirt and t-shirt the moment she opened it,” says her mom, Christina. “And she’s so picky about her outfits! I haven’t seen her smile like that in at least a year.”
ASUS creates products that helps companies and individuals reach their full potential, so helping to grant wishes for gamers like Allie was a natural fit. “At ASUS, gaming and streaming has always been about creating positive, inclusive experiences for everyone,” explains Yen Hoang, senior manager of Brand Marketing at ASUS North America.
Allie was excited to receive the full gaming set up and has been playing every day. She has already started livestreaming on her own channel.
The family is thrilled that the gaming setup will help Allie stay connected with her friends—and hopefully make many, many more as her streaming career takes off—as she continues to battle for her health.
“You made our Allie come alive again,” says Christina. While the road ahead still looks challenging, Allie’s wish gave her the strength and courage she needs to face her future.