The Power of Giving: Brooklyn and Lily's story
Lily's story begins with Brooklyn. Brooklyn was born with an extremely rare chromosome disorder that came with many complications and medical needs. One thing that made her feel better was being in the water.
“As her ability to do things diminished, Brooklyn would get in the pool and you could see how happy she felt from the look on her face,” said Jill, Brooklyn’s mom.
The pool became a sanctuary for Brooklyn and her family, where she could escape her world of doctors and treatments.
“Everything about her changed when she was in the water. The weight came off her shoulders and she could move and be free,” said Terry, Brooklyn’s dad.
But as Brooklyn aged, pool time became more difficult.
“Brooklyn loved the pool but as she grew older and bigger, getting her in and out of the pool safely became a concern,” said Jill. “Then Make-A-Wish Arizona came to us and offered us a wish.”
Brooklyn’s wish for an assisted pool lift gave her the chance to create some of her family’s happiest memories together.
“She was so thrilled to be able to go in the pool more often and it was fun because her sister could use the lift too. We would put Taylor on it with Brooklyn and they would go into the pool together,” said Jill with a laugh.
Brooklyn was able to enjoy her wish for a few months before she passed away. And while it was difficult to think about letting go of any piece of her, her family knew the pool lift could have a positive impact on other kids like Brooklyn.
“We are part of a special-needs Facebook group and came across a post about a girl named Lily, who loves the water but her family struggled to get her in the pool,” said Jill. “It was a general post about the hardships of being a special needs family, not an ask, but I really believe Brooklyn hand-picked Lily and said ‘Mom, this family. Help this family.’”
Lily, 19, loves being in the water as much as Brooklyn did.
Her rare nervous system disorder, with symptoms very similar to Brooklyn’s condition, has limited her speech and movement, but her family knows she’s truly happy when she is in the water.
“She won’t use her hands for any other purposeful movement, but she will reach out and grab water when she’s in the shower, the bath or the pool,” said Kim, Lily’s mom.
To this day, Lily does things in the pool she never does anywhere else.
Water was a big influence on Lily’s wish in 2013.
“She loves the ocean and warm water so swimming with dolphins, being on the boat and making memories together as a family was so much fun,” said Kim. “Her wish was perfect for her at the time we went and has become a lasting memory for us.”
After her wish, Lily’s family installed a pool to support her love of water but, like Brooklyn, the family was finding it hard to get her in and out of the pool safely.
“I can physically lift her up but I’m not comfortable taking those two steps down into the pool while carrying her because I was so afraid of dropping her,” said Kim. “When Jill reached out about the pool lift, I was shocked.”
The gift of Brooklyn’s wish allows her spirit and love of water to live on through Lily.
“I get so emotional about it because the world has been really rough the last couple of years,” Kim shared. “I can’t believe the goodness of a family wanting their daughter’s wish impact to continue for another child.”
“Giving Brooklyn’s stuff away was very hard, but when we see a child and a family we know is so gracious and worthy, it brings us a tremendous amount of peace and happiness,” said Jill.
Brooklyn’s wish was about giving her freedom and a sense of hope. Now it does the same for Lily.
For Kim, Lily and their family, the gift of Brooklyn’s wish has lasting impact.
“We honor Brooklyn every time we use it by saying a special little thank you,” shared Kim. “I think it’s such a special way to continue her wish.”
