Zach was just six months old when he received the gift of life—a heart transplant that would give him a future full of possibilities. Today, at 12 years old, Zach is a vibrant, energetic boy with an infectious love for hockey, swimming, and all things related to marine life. His journey has been one of resilience, strength, and an unbreakable spirit.
Zach’s family had always known about Make-A-Wish, but because he received an organ transplant, they had the option to wait until he was older to decide on his wish. They wanted Zach to be able to choose a wish that truly reflected his biggest passions. When the time came, he had no hesitation—he wished to go to Hawaii.
“I’ve always loved the ocean and marine life,” Zach shared. “Also, I love swimming, so I knew Hawaii was the perfect place for my wish.”
The experience was nothing short of magical. From the moment they boarded the plane, Zach and his family were treated like VIPs. The flight attendants greeted them with warmth and care, making sure every moment of their journey was special.
“They even let me sit in the cockpit!” Zach exclaimed. “That was so cool! And I got extra snacks, which was the best part.”
Once they arrived in Hawaii, the exceptional hospitality continued. From hotel staff to restaurant servers, everyone went above and beyond to make Zach, and his family feel welcome and cared for. But the highlight of the trip—the moment that will forever be etched in Zach’s heart—was swimming with dolphins.
“I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time,” Zach recalled. “We got to feed them, learn about their personalities, and even dance with them in the water! It was amazing.”
For Zach’s mom, Ashley, seeing her son experience pure joy was an emotional moment.
“This was more than just a trip—it was a dream come true for Zach,” she said. “Every detail was so carefully planned, and watching him be so happy, so carefree, was something I’ll never forget.”
Throughout the week, the family explored Hawaii’s stunning landscapes, swam in crystal-clear waters, and embraced every unforgettable moment together.
“Zach kept saying, ‘This is the best week of my life!’” Ashley shared. “And I couldn’t agree more. We laughed, we made incredible memories, and for the first time in a long time, we weren’t thinking about medical appointments or hospital stays—we were just living in the moment.”
The impact of this wish goes beyond just the trip. It has given Zach a renewed sense of hope and inspiration.
“Knowing that there are people out there who care about me and want me to be happy means so much,” Zach said. “This wish made me feel really special.”
Ashley echoed that sentiment, expressing her deep gratitude to Make-A-Wish and everyone who made Zach’s dream possible.
“Make-A-Wish gave us something priceless,” she said. “A chance to make memories, to celebrate life, and to see Zach truly happy. That’s a gift we will cherish forever.”
Kaylee O’Brien, MS, CCLS, a Child Life Specialist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, has seen this kind of impact time and again. “From a medical perspective and as a child life specialist, I have witnessed firsthand how a wish experience can become a turning point in a child’s emotional and psychological journey. Many children return from their wish experience feeling emotionally renewed — stronger, braver, and more resilient. I have seen children cope more effectively with hospitalizations, procedures, and treatments after their wish, and I truly believe it’s because Make-A-Wish offers them an emotional reset — a moment to just be kids again, filling them with confidence and hope that carries back into their medical journey.”
Kaylee added, “A granted wish doesn’t just impact the child; it uplifts the entire network of support surrounding the family. It brings moments of pure joy to parents, siblings, and extended family members who have also carried the weight of illness. A wish offers everyone a shared experience of happiness and strength, reinforcing bonds, creating lasting memories, and providing hope that sustains families during future challenges.”