Volunteer Spotlight: Caleb Davis
In 2004, young Caleb Davis received devastating news: he had cancer. After 42 grueling weeks of chemotherapy and four weeks of radiation, Caleb entered remission in 2005. During his radiation treatments, Caleb’s child life specialist at Cook Children’s referred him to Make-A-Wish.
“The wish-granting process was always a really good experience and had a lasting effect on us,” Caleb said.
In the summer of 2005, Caleb’s wish to go to Disney World with his family was granted. Selflessly, Caleb chose to go to Disney World with his family because his diagnosis and treatment were not only hard on him but on his family as well.
“I wanted something enjoyable for the whole family. It was equally as hard for me as for my family, specifically for my brother,” Caleb said.
Years later, Caleb’s mom Barbara wanted to get more involved with Make-A-Wish, so she signed up to become a wish granter. Caleb was right behind her and signed up, too. Together, they have granted five wishes for kids in the North Texas chapter of Make-A-Wish over the last few years. Barbra handles the paperwork, and Caleb works closely with the wish kid and their family to help discover the wish.
“I want to make sure everyone has as good of an experience as I did,” Caleb said.
The first wish Caleb and Barbara granted together was particularly memorable. Going into the wish, Caleb did not know how much he would impact the wish family. The wish family was inspired by Caleb’s story, and it gave them a sense of hope for the future.
“I wanted to spread the love to other kids so they could experience the same thing I did,” Caleb said.
To make even more of a difference, Caleb started Wished Events, a charitable organization that hosts events to fundraise for childhood cancer relief. Thus far, all proceeds have benefited Make-A-Wish.
Caleb came up with the idea for Wish Events because his small group leader at church started a non-profit organization and mentored Caleb to do the same.
Most recently, the organization hosted a golf tournament that raised $25,000 for Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas chapter. On March 25, Wished Events is hosting a 5K run and one-mile walk with the goal of raising $10,000 for Make-A-Wish North Texas.
“Everyone coming and pitching in, even when there is no compensation for the volunteers is my favorite part of Wished Events. There is a bigger purpose out here than playing golf,” Caleb said.
Caleb has big plans for Wished Events and hopes to one day run Wished Events as his full-time job.
“The sky is the limit,” Caleb said.
Learn more about Wished Events here!