Pierce Creates His Own Candy

He spent countless days in the hospital and the constant back and forth to the ER was nerve wracking especially during the pandemic. He experienced every possible side effect from treatments including hair loss, mouth sores, lethargy, nausea, and neuropathy in his feet. Watching videos about candy making soothed him and gave him something to look forward to during his battle with leukemia. From his hospital bed, Pierce would often ask his mother if he would ever get to make candy one day…and his mom would respond, “definitely!”

Pierce’s wish gave him the ultimate opportunity to fulfill his sweet dream of being a candymaker. He and his family were invited to be VIP guests for the day at the Las Olas Confections Factory (a BBX Capital company) in Orlando. While there, Pierce went on a behind-the-scenes tour of the full factory, learned about the many steps involved in producing deliciousness and played with ingredients, experimenting to put together his dream concoction. The following day, he received a shopping experience at the IT’SUGAR store in the Orlando International Premium Outlets.

IT’SUGAR made two prototypes of the candy bar, bringing to life his vision of the perfect sweet treat –  chocolate chip cookies and a marshmallow covered in chocolate, with mini M&Ms or crushed OREOs on top. The next step was a preview of his candy confection at the grand opening of a IT’SUGAR store. He taste tested the two versions of his creation. His favorite will be produced as IT’SMORE and be on store shelves soon to help raise more funds to grant even more wishes.

His mother said, “Pierce loved everything about his Make-A-Wish and wants to be a candy maker when he grows up.”

Wish Granters: Debbie Dragone & Sherrie Ngo
Referred by Dr. Tamara Chang, his physician
Wish sponsored by IT’SUGAR