“From the moment Aiden entered the world, he has been fearless,” Aiden’s dad, Brandon reflects. “Maybe it was the countless medical procedures he endured, or maybe it was simply in his nature—but no challenge has ever stopped him. Whether running alongside his brothers, connecting with animals in a way that seemed almost magical, or losing himself in the joy of music, Aiden’s spirit has always shined brightly. He loves the outdoors—fishing, hunting, swimming, and roasting marshmallows by the fire—and at the same time, he cherishes quiet moments, snuggled up watching movies.”

At 18 weeks pregnant, Aiden’s parents, Katie and Brandon, learned the joyful news that they were expecting twin boys, Aiden and Axton. But that same appointment brought devastating news: Aiden had a serious congenital heart condition that would require a long and difficult medical journey. With three other children at home, the family made the unimaginable decision to temporarily relocate from Montana to Seattle, where Aiden would receive lifesaving care. The next six months were a whirlwind of surgeries, medications, and separation. Through it all, Aiden fought bravely, and his family fought alongside him, their faith and love unwavering.

Aiden endured three open-heart surgeries, the first at just six days old. The road to recovery was painful and complex, but he never let it define him. With his brothers as his inspiration, he pushed himself to keep up with them, and today, if you didn’t know his story, you’d never guess the battles he has faced. A dear family friend and neighbor, who has a personal connection to Make-A-Wish, told the family about the organization, right before his third surgery. Shortly after, Aiden’s parents were notified that he qualified for a wish.

The impact of Aiden’s wish journey extended far beyond his immediate family. Volunteers like Kaylee, who had the privilege of being part of his journey, witnessed firsthand the strength of Aiden’s faith-filled family and the joy they carried despite their struggles. During their wish discovery meeting, Aiden’s sister brought in a baby rabbit—only for it to escape, leading to a playful chase around the house. That lighthearted moment encapsulated the spirit of Aiden’s family—finding laughter and love in even the most unexpected circumstances.

When asked what he wanted for his wish, Aiden didn’t hesitate: he wanted to swim with dolphins.

But what Aiden didn’t yet realize was that his wish would be even bigger than he imagined.

The next step in Aiden’s wish journey began with an unforgettable surprise. More than 100 people gathered for a celebration to announce that his wish to swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove was coming true! A special cake was made with the words “Your Wish is Coming True.” When it was unveiled and everyone cheered, Aiden, in his innocent excitement, asked if the cake was the wish. While he knew a flight was coming up the next week, he had no idea it was for his wish. His wish announcement party was a testament to the power of community, as race car drivers, grocery stores, and a local photographer all came together to make the celebration possible.

Kaylee recalls greeting Aiden’s family at the airport at 5 a.m. on the morning of their departure. Despite the early hour, excitement was in the air. Aiden was thrilled about his trip, but in that moment, he was even more delighted about finding a quarter on the ground, which he quickly used for a bubblegum machine. His simple joy was a reminder of the beauty in small moments.

Aiden’s wish trip was a dream come true in every way. He not only swam with dolphins but also played in the ocean, experienced the magic of Disney World, rode his first roller coaster, and, perhaps most importantly, shared every adventure with his siblings. Every single day was an adventure, filled with wonder, laughter, and moments of pure delight. And of course, the daily ice cream was an added bonus!

For his parents, seeing Aiden’s wish come true was indescribable. After years of hospital stays, doctor visits, and medical worries, this was a time for their son to just be a kid. No surgeries, no medications—just happiness. For once, Aiden wasn’t defined by his heart condition; he was simply a boy having the time of his life.

Since returning home, Aiden continues to light up whenever he talks about his wish. The trip gave him more than just memories—it gave him confidence, a sense of celebration, and a reminder that he is more than his medical challenges. For his family, the trip was a gift beyond words, a rare and precious time of togetherness without the weight of stress and separation.

“To those who made Aiden’s wish possible,” his parents share, “we could never thank you enough. Words will always fall short in expressing our gratitude. Memories are the greatest gift, and our family was blessed with ones that will last a lifetime.”

They especially credit the volunteers who make these wishes a reality. “The volunteers are the threads that make up the fabric of this incredible organization. Without them, none of this would mean what it does. The volunteers are weaving a legacy of genuine love into those generous donations and blessing people who have had to face incredible hardships beyond comprehension or merit. We could never truly thank them or deeply enough with just words.”

And for Aiden, that is exactly what his wish meant: a moment in time where nothing else mattered, a chapter of joy in his incredible story of strength and resilience.

As Kaylee puts it, if she had to describe Aiden’s wish experience in one word, it would be radiant—because that is exactly what Aiden’s smile, spirit, and story continue to be.