Rhett's Wish

You would never know from these photos of    4-year-old Rhett that this happy boy has endured a difficult and long medical journey.  

Rhett had a stroke and was diagnosed with a nervous system disorder at six months old. He suffered extensive brain damage and seizures resulting from the stroke.  Half of his brain was disconnected in 2018 to stop the seizures, causing further medical issues. Currently, he receives six different therapies at home each week and is making progress daily.  

When Rhett is not undergoing therapy, he enjoys spending time outdoors. His mother Shantel said, “Since Rhett’s first steps at two years old, he has loved to be outside, especially on his little baby swing. As soon as we took him outside, he immediately would point to the swing and laugh and scream as soon as he was in it.”  

Rhett’s mother contacted Make-A-Wish to refer her son for a wish to bring some hope and joy into his life.  

Shantel explained, “Due to Rhett’s medical issues and medications we were not able to take him to many public playsets, but when we were able it was very apparent it made him extremely happy.       

We wanted Rhett’s wish to last him a long time and to bring him the most joy possible. We just knew having his own personalized playset in our backyard would be number one!” 

Rhett’s wish manager got to work to design the perfect playset based on his interests. The playset has a big yellow slide, a rock wall, swings, and more!  

Shantel said, “Words cannot express the joy Rhett’s playset has brought him. From the moment he saw it and was able to play on it, it has been nothing but laughter, squeals, and unedited bliss. From the moment Rhett wakes up until it is his bedtime, his first request is to go outside. We think he is around 1,000 times down his slide and he is obsessed with his new swings!” 

Rhett’s backyard playset will give him years of excitement. He can take a break between therapy sessions to play outside and just focus on being a kid.  

Shantel continued, “Despite all that Rhett has gone through, you couldn’t meet a happier, more loving child. I can never thank you enough for giving my warrior a million smiles, and a million giggles.”