Make-A-Wish^® Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana

During the past year, we’ve all had a glimpse of what it feels like to wait for hope. For children with critical illnesses, feelings of isolation and hopelessness are all too familiar. Wishes give them something back.

For children battling critical illnesses, finding hope in challenging circumstances is something they have been doing long before any of us heard the word “lockdown.”

During a very tough year, 5-year-old KingZerick, who battles congenital heart disease, worried that the global pandemic would ruin even Christmas. He told his parents he didn’t think Santa would be able to visit this year.

As wish granters worked to make his wish for a shopping spree come true, they turned to Old Saint Nicholas himself for help.

Just days before Christmas, Santa rode in on a fire truck to KingZerick’s home with a bag full of presents for him and his entire family.

KingZerick jumped for joy and ran into Santa’s arms for a giant hug. One of the first things he asked is if Santa had brought presents for his siblings too. Santa brought the thoughtful boy everything on his Christmas list and more; hope.

KingZerick’s selflessness to think of others before himself, despite the challenges he faces, inspires us. Together, we know we can overcome any obstacle because our wish kids do it every day. At Make-A-Wish, we work to deliver hope, but our wish kids inspire hope in all of us.