Social Worker Helps Deliver Hope One Referral at a Time
Clinical social workers, such as Laura Davis, are among this caring community who believe a wish gives a child with a critical illness a piece of their childhood back.
Laura cares for many children through her work in a pediatric oncology, hematology and bone marrow transplant program. While the circumstances differ from patient to patient, Laura refers each eligible child to Make-A-Wish. “I think a wish is so important for the child’s sake,” Laura said.
One of the kids Laura works with is a young patient with cancer named Jada. Laura saw Jada’s incredible strength as she persevered through months of intensive chemotherapy treatments. After the hardship Jada endured, Laura knew that a wish would bring her some much-needed hope. “Make-A-Wish gives kids something to look forward to in dark days,” Laura said. “I referred Jada because I wanted her to experience that joy.”
Soon, Jada started thinking more about her wish and less about chemotherapy injections. She knew she wanted to combine something Disney-related with a tropical destination, so she decided to go on a Disney Cruise Line® cruise to the Bahamas.
Through the generosity of Disney, Jada set sail on the trip of a lifetime with her mom and two sisters. From delectable buffets to excursions at Disney’s private Castaway Cay island, every day was filled with adventure and surprise. “Jada’s wish was healing for our family,” said Ashira, Jada’s mom.
The next time Laura saw Jada, she radiated renewed energy and strength. Jada was also more determined to continue her journey to health. “She’s doing very, very well,” Laura said. “And she’s back at school.”
Jada is one of more than 60 kids Laura has personally referred to Make-A-Wish. Witnessing how a wish positively impacts a child continues to inspire Laura. “Seeing the impact when the kids come back after their wish was granted is very reaffirming,” Laura said. “It keeps me fired up.”
For the past 40 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have been providing magic to wish kids and their families when they need it most. Together, we’ve made more than 140,000 wishes come true for children around the world just like Jada, and we’re just getting started.