The holiday season is a magical time for kids of all ages, but for three-year-old Aayden, it’s even more than that. Having received a heart transplant and seven surgeries as a toddler, Aayden has had to face more challenges than most adults in the first years of his life. On top of his condition, Aayden’s family recently battled homelessness and now live in the lower floor of his grandmother’s house.

Feeling inspired by the love that surrounded him throughout his medical journey, Aayden discovered his heartfelt wish to have a Winter Wonderland right at home. With the holidays right around the corner and Christmas being his favorite day of the year, the young boy hoped to bring joy and light to his family despite the challenges life has thrown at them time and time again.

When the day of his wish had finally arrived, Aayden and his family were returning home from his hospital visit in Utah. Volunteers from Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada and the PENTA Cares Foundation came together to transform Aayden’s home to a Winter Wonderland experience he would never forget.

The transformation began 24 hours prior but felt as though everything was put together in the blink of an eye. Faux snow covered the living room floor and wrapping paper enveloped the kitchen cabinets. A dazzling Christmas tree took its place in the corner of the living room and beside it hung stockings for the entire family, including their sweet dog, Stormy. Tucked in the dining room was also a hot cocoa station to keep the whole family warm during cold nights.

The holiday magic continued through the family’s backyard with a life-size candy cane ornament display
as well as an inflatable Christmas tree surrounded by a ride-on electric train track for Aayden to enjoy.

While the forecast had called for cloudy skies, there was one more detail that would make Aayden’s wish a true Winter Wonderland experience. Real-life snow was transported from the North Pole and straight to the home, ready for Aayden to jump into.

All decorations were set in place and it was time for the big reveal. As the limo carrying Aayden and his family parked at the curb, representatives from wish sponsors, PENTA Building Group and Chapman Las Vegas, and Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada staff gathered to welcome Aayden back home.

The moment Aayden anticipated for months had finally come as he crossed the threshold into the living room. Aayden smiled warmly as he took in the Winter Wonderland before him, ultimately laying his eyes on the large gift tucked underneath the Christmas tree. To his delight, he unwrapped the gift to find a brand-new tricycle—a detail the boy had specifically requested at the time of his wish discovery.

Aayden continued on his tour in the backyard, hopping on his new electric train, climbing the mountain of snow that took over its own area, and posing for a few photos so that his family would never forget this day. Little did Aayden know that the biggest surprise of all was coming just around the corner.

Emergency sirens filled the air as several fire trucks and police cars rode into the neighborhood. Aayden made his way to the front of the house to see what—and who—waited for him. And there he was, Santa Claus had arrived to meet the young boy as part of his heartfelt wish.

Escorted by firefighters from Angel Fire Department and officers from the Clark County School District Police Department, Santa hopped down from one of the fire trucks and presented Aayden with even more gifts for him to enjoy. Together with his family, Aayden was then treated to a special ride around his neighborhood in one of the fire trucks, rounding out the incredible surprises that took place on his wish day.

Aayden’s wish was a true community effort and could not have been possible without the help of Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada partners, PENTA Building Group, Chapman Las Vegas, Angel Fire Department, and CCSD Police Department.

Watch Aayden's wish come true below!