Conner's Wish Story

As described by his mother Rosie, 15-year-old Conner is a “typical teenager in pretty much every way.” He loves basketball, video games, riding dirt bikes, and school. Yes, you read that last part correctly. Conner loves school so much that when it came time for him to choose a wish, he wished to have his tuition paid.

The last 18 months presented Conner and his family with many challenges, learning experiences, and changes. One takeaway Conner gained from all of this is how much he loves being in the classroom with his teachers and classmates. Rosie shared more about why Conner’s school is so important to him: “He has only known one other school for the most part, and so to be able to continue there where he feels he belongs will be the stable environment he needs as he becomes a young adult.” With all the ups and downs Conner has experienced since his cancer diagnosis, school was his one constant.

Conner is currently a sophomore at Stillwater Christian School in Kalispell. He loves all the activities that the school has to offer, including the band and choir program. He loves singing in the school choir and playing his trumpet. He also has played both basketball and soccer through the school. Conner knew that having his tuition paid for would allow him to continue doing the things he loved and attend a school that values faith, which is an important part of Conner’s life.

When it came time for his wish to be granted, Conner was given a giant check for a year’s worth of tuition that he presented to the school board. To add to his special day, he was gifted a Letterman jacket. Reflecting on this day, Rosie said, “Seeing all the kindness and considerable work that was put into his wish, he felt so grateful for this gift. It helps him see all the blessings that come with the sometimes-painful experiences in life.”

As Conner continues to have MRIs every three months and chest x-rays every six months, Conner’s wish will allow him to continue to be surrounded by those who support him—his teachers and classmates. Rosie believes that this wish will be something that will “help Conner through this journey… The best part of this organization is that their focus is on the child and creating something for them that is special.”

Photo credit: Casey Kreider - Daily Inter Lake