Sophia's Wish to have a Gazebo

Sophia was diagnosed with biliary atresia when she was just over three months old. What began as every parent's hope that something simple was wrong quickly became a journey filled with hospital stays, countless appointments, and uncertainty. At just 9½ months old, Sophia received the greatest gift imaginable—a living donor liver transplant. That gift saved her life and gave her the opportunity to simply be a kid. 

Make-A-Wish Wisconsin became part of our family's story by granting Sophia's wish: a beautiful gazebo in our backyard. While it may look like a charming little building, to Sophia it is so much more. 

Her gazebo features windows, a locking door with her own key, electricity, concrete floors, and even a special Baby Yoda stepping stone. Most importantly, it has become Sophia's art studio—a safe place where she can create, dream, and spend time outdoors while staying protected from direct sunlight. Because of the lifelong anti-rejection medications she takes following her transplant, Sophia faces a significantly increased risk of skin cancer, making shade and sun protection an important part of her daily life. 

The gift of this space has given Sophia independence, creativity, and a place that is uniquely hers. Every time she walks through that door, she is reminded that people she had never met believed she deserved joy during one of the hardest chapters of her life. 
But what has meant just as much as the wish itself are the incredible people behind Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. Our wish team didn't simply grant a wish—they wrapped our family in kindness, encouragement, and genuine love. They celebrated with us, supported us, and became part of our family in ways we never expected. 

We can never fully express our gratitude for everything Make-A-Wish Wisconsin has given Sophia and our family. Their mission is about so much more than wishes—it is about bringing hope, strength, and joy to children facing critical illnesses when they need it most.

Because of the impact they have had on our lives, our family is committed to paying it forward. We will continue supporting Make-A-Wish Wisconsin however we can so that more children and families can experience the same hope, love, and unforgettable joy that Sophia did. 

Once a wish family, always a wish family.