13-year-old Zane was diagnosed with leukemia on his thirteenth birthday. For a little over a week, he hadn’t been feeling well and when his parents took him to their local clinic, they were sent to a bigger hospital for testing. Not long after, he began chemo treatments. During this time, a social worker at the hospital talked to Zane and his parents about qualifying for a wish. Zane couldn’t believe that he was going to have his one true wish granted! 

Zane and his family bonded during the long car rides to and from his treatments. They brainstormed together about all the possibilities of his wish. It was an escape from the talk about Zane’s condition and the doctor’s appointments. Eventually, Zane decided he would wish to have a golf cart. He wanted to have something to ride around in and take in the peaceful roads that wind around the lake in his hometown.  

On the day of his wish reveal, Zane had no idea that he would be receiving his golf cart that day or the fact that a party awaited him on the Augustana University Campus. The Augustana SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee) students had been planning an elaborate party for Zane’s wish reveal. Zane’s parents pulled their vehicle over on the street in front of Augustana’s track and field complex. Zane got out of the vehicle and was greeted by Augustana students and athletes, cheering for him as the band played in the background. 

Zane walked through the line of students, and when he got to the end, Augustana’s mascot, Ole, broke through a banner while driving his brand-new golf cart. The golf cart was everything Zane had been dreaming of and more. Its beautiful blue paint sparkled in the sunlight and Zane was overwhelmed with happiness and appreciation.  

Zane hopped into the golf cart with his dad riding next to him, and he drove around the track as the students cheered him on and the band continued to play.  College students and athletes took photos with Zane and congratulated him on his wish. After the festivities and celebration, Zane’s family loaded up his golf cart and took it home.  

Zane’s wish was more than a golf cart. As he dreamed of his wish and anticipated its arrival, he was able to momentarily forget about his condition.  

Zane is continuing with his treatment. He takes his golf cart out for a drive around the lake for some peace and solace from the challenges he is facing with his condition. 

Zane’s wish was made possible by Adopt-A-Wish partners Valley Queen Cheese and Augustana Student Athlete Advisory Committee. We’d also like to thank business partner B&B Golf Cars and volunteers Dan, Lori and CeCe.