Eleven-year-old Carson qualified for a wish after spending four years being in and out of doctor’s offices searching for a better understanding as to why his ability to walk was lessening and eventually, Carson was diagnosed with a nervous system disorder. Through wish discovery meetings with his wish granters, Carson determined that his wish was to go on a shopping spree.  Little did he know that his entire class would rally together to make his wish day unforgettable.   

On his wish day, a limo drove up to Carson’s house and his dad, brother and friend Max all climbed inside with him.  He didn’t know that it was his wish day until the limo rounded the corner to his school, and he saw 400 of his classmates lined up outside holding posters and cheering. Carson whispered to his dad, “Is this my Make-A-Wish?”  As he exited the limo, he was overwhelmed with the love and support emanating from his fellow sixth grade classmates. They started to chant his name, “Carson, Carson, Carson!”  As his eyes scanned the crowd, he saw posters that said, “You’re a rock star, Carson!” “You’re a role model, Carson!” “Your strength inspires others.“ “It’s your special day, Carson!” His classmates wanted him to know how much they care about him. 

He slowly walked up to the principal of his school who was holding a special gift for him.  As Carson pulled at the wrapping paper, his eyes lit up when he came to realize that it was the PlayStation 5 he had been hoping for!  

After taking photos with his wish crew and the school mascot, Carson climbed back into the limo and said, “Dad, this feels like a dream.” This was only the beginning of his wish day.  The limo took him to his favorite stores where his friend Max pushed Carson’s wheelchair through aisles of PS5 games and other electronic toys. Carson’s wish crew was greeted by The Empire Mall staff members and electronic animals to ride on from store to store.  Their first stop in the mall was Build-A-Bear Workshop where Carson customized a stuffed bear.  He hugged his new bear tight to his chest for the rest of the day. He then played a virtual reality game at Dragons Eyes Virtual Reality, a brand-new experience for him. 

Carson and his crew went to his favorite restaurant, McDonald’s, for lunch. They created an amazing dining experience for Carson and his wish crew with a private room and a gift of free French fries for a year! Now, Carson can visit McDonald’s and eat all the French fries he could ever want.  He was again overwhelmed with excitement.  After lunch, he finished up his shopping spree, stocking up on all his favorite electronics, toys and games at Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart and Fully Loaded Electronics. 

A wish’s impact is greater than the physical items gifted to a child with a critical illness.  A lasting impression is left with the child and his family when a community comes together to go above and beyond to show them that they are not fighting alone. Carson’s wish day gave him assurance that his classmates and friends support him and care for him as he fights his illness.  The combined effort of strangers and loved ones made his wish day over-the-top and unforgettable, instilling strength and hope in Carson and his family as they experienced the wish day with him. Through the tough days and treatments ahead, they’ll know that they are not alone.  

Special thanks to Adopt-A-Wish partners Gina and Jack Hopkins, and Luxury Auto Mall of Sioux Falls. We’d also like to thank community partners, Brandon Valley Intermediate School and Stellar Limousine of Sioux Falls , business partners Best Buy, Empire Mall, GameStop, Build-A-Bear Workshop, AnimalWorld, Dragons Eyes Virtual Reality, McDonald's, Walmart, Fully Loaded Electronics, and KCV Photography. Special shout out to Carson’s wish granting volunteers Mike and Roxann Jamison.