From the time of Cherish’s referral to Make-A-Wish by her nurse, the anticipation of her wish became an important part of her wish journey. Before Cherish, 6, even selected her wish, her mom, Brittany, said, “This [wish] would be a great experience for the whole family to escape reality for a minute.”

Cherish, who has congenital heart disease, wished to spend time with her family at the beach. They stayed at a cottage within walking distance of the beach in Pentwater. Before the family’s arrival, Cherish’s wish-granting volunteers decorated the cottage and dropped off a backpack full of enhancements, including water toys, accessories and snacks, for Cherish and her family to enjoy.

"For her wish, we just wanted to spend time together as a family and enjoy good food, good fun and good vibes,” Brittany said.

Families are under a great deal of stress when a child is battling a critical illness. A wish brings the family together and allows them to just focus on having fun and enjoying each other’s company. Medical appointments and other life stressors seemed like a distant memory for Cherish’s family when they were building sandcastles at the beach or roasting s’mores in the charcoal fire pit at the cottage.

“Every sick child and family deserves to experience a wish,” Brittany said. “It is a big escape from reality, doctors, hospitals, school and work. We were all together without a worry and just having fun. It is so peaceful here!”

For children like Cherish who are battling a critical illness, a wish can give them and their families the chance to believe anything is possible and provide an escape from reality.