Make-A-Wish^® Iowa

When Brayton was referred to Make-A-Wish Iowa when he was 7 years old. At that time he wanted to go to Legoland, but when it was time to schedule his wish after the Covid-19 travel hold, his mom reached out to their wish manager, Elizabeth, and said, "Now that he’s older, his interests have really changed. Could we reimagine his wish to align with his current interest – reptiles?"

Elizabeth contacted the Florida chapter and worked to build his wish with a trip to the Miami zoo. While at the Zoo Brayton was given the Super VIP experience. He had a private tour with a zookeeper at the Miami Zoo and had the opportunity to interact, feed and touch many animals including several reptiles. He was able to tour all restricted access areas and the zoo even took him into the exhibits! He got to feed giraffes, and elephants, hold a snake, hold a baby crocodile, feed a tortoise and so much more. 

Brayton and his family were even featured on a local Miami news station. “It was his dream and more than I could ever hope for!" shared Brayton's mom. 

Brayton stayed in the Florida Keys and also went deep sea fishing (caught a huge barracuda) and experienced an Everglades tour where he could see alligators. 

“We had a great time," said Brayton's mom. "Everything went flawlessly. Thank you for everything you all did for Brayton and his wish.”