Joey has always had a deep love for the outdoors, and snowboarding has been his passion since he was young. From the first time he strapped on a board, he was hooked. His dedication and skill took him far—so far, in fact, that just before his lymphoma diagnosis in March, Joey was ranked 19th in the nation. But that diagnosis changed everything.
While many might have lost hope, Joey was determined to keep fighting. His love for snowboarding never wavered, and neither did his dream of becoming a professional snowboarder. Even after undergoing surgery, Joey's resolve remained unshaken. He set his sights on the Olympic Trials, and nothing would stand in his way.
When it came time to decide on his wish, Joey’s choice was simple: to be trained by a professional snowboarding coach. His first choice was Ronnie Barr, the renowned coach who has trained Olympians like Shaun White. With the support of his family, Joey traveled to Copper Mountain in Colorado, where he had the chance to meet his idol and receive personalized coaching.
The day on the slopes with Ronnie was everything Joey had dreamed of. Ronnie shared valuable tips on jumps, rails, and technique, helping Joey improve his skills. As they spent the day together, Joey walked away with a renewed sense of purpose. His dream was within reach, and he knew he had to keep pushing forward.
Joey’s father, Joe, shared his gratitude for the experience: "Thank you again for the amazing experience at Copper Mountain. All the accommodations were excellent. Joey’s coaching experience with Ronnie exceeded our expectations, and Ronnie was very genuine with us. Joey and Ronnie spent the day on the slopes, and Ronnie showed Joey some key tips on jumps and rails."
Sara Merrill, MSW, LSW, a Four Diamonds Social Worker at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, has seen firsthand how impactful a wish can be for families navigating a child’s illness. "I love to hear the stories of my patients and families after they have experienced their wish. Most, if not all, talk about how it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They are usually eager to share with myself and the staff in our clinic or inpatient unit, their pictures and experiences, and you can quite literally see the impact their wish has on their faces as they light up."
From a medical perspective, Sara explains the emotional and psychological impact a wish can have on a child’s well-being: "I feel for most of my patients, planning and thinking about their wish brings them hope and a light at the end of a very long journey with their treatment and disease. On some of the hardest days that I see my patients and families experience, talking about the planning and anticipation of their wish can often bring joy and a sense of looking forward. Often after their wish, they seem to come back as a family with a new sense of strength and drive to begin the next phase of their medical treatment. It allows for a much-desired and needed respite."
Now, Joey's family is exploring opportunities for him to continue his snowboarding journey after high school. With his eyes set on Copper Mountain, where he plans to work alongside Ronnie Barr, Joey is ready for the next chapter. Thanks to Make-A-Wish, a door that once seemed closed has been opened, giving Joey and his family a new perspective on life after a diagnosis and a renewed hope for the future.