Make-A-Wish^® Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana

HOUSTON, TX (AUGUST 10, 2026) – Not long ago, Katt, and Jack were focused on doctor appointments, treatments, and the uncertainty that comes with a serious medical diagnosis.

Next week, they will return to the hospitals that played an important role in their journeys, but this time not as patients.

Instead, they will return with a simple mission: to give back.

Over the course of one week, two Make-A-Wish® Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana wish children will step into special experiences during Hospital Wishes Week that are designed to celebrate the healthcare professionals who cared for them during some of the most difficult times of their lives. Together, these wishes tell a larger story about gratitude, resilience and the powerful bond that often develops between families facing critical illnesses and the medical teams who walk beside them.

“A wish gives children hope during some of their hardest days, creates moments of joy during uncertainty, and reminds families they are not walking this path alone. What makes this week especially meaningful is that these two wish children are choosing to turn that hope outward by giving back,” said Shelly Millwee, CEO and President for Make-A-Wish. “While each experience is unique, these wishes are rooted in the same idea: when children receive support and encouragement during their toughest days, those acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact.”

This week begins on Monday, August 10 with Katt's Wish Day at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she will spend the day thanking the doctors, nurses and medical teams who supported her throughout her journey. As part of her wish, 15-year-old Katt, who is battling leukemia, created a painting inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night and wrote personal notes of appreciation that she will hand-deliver alongside meals provided to healthcare professionals across both hospitals.

“These amazing nurses and doctors have been with us during our darkest hours, and have brought us light,” said Katt’s parents, Jacqueline and Jason Boyd. “It came as no surprise that when given the opportunity, Katt made the wish to give back to these individuals who have given so much to her and to other patients. Katt is looking forward to the opportunity to give back to the people who come to work every day and save lives and make a difference.”

Katt’s day will start at Children’s Memorial Hermann at 8 a.m. before she will transition to UT MD Anderson. She will deliver meals to both outpatient and inpatient providers and will participate in two hospital led ceremonies after each meal distribution.

On Tuesday, August 11 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., 8-year-old Jack, who battles neuromuscular disorder, will receive his dream wish to be a Valet attendant at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. Jack’s Valet Wish brings his long-held fascination with valet service to life through a one-of-a-kind experience designed around his interests and personality, creating joyful moments for hospital visitors, staff and families alike.

“I want to be a valet at my home hospital. I love valet and everyone at the hospital. When I get older, I want to work there,” said wish kid, Jack and his mom, Paige.

The events also highlight the critical role healthcare professionals play in connecting eligible children to Make-A-Wish. Physicians, child life specialists, nurses and other medical providers are often the first to introduce families to the possibility of a wish, making hospital partnerships essential to reaching children who could benefit from wish-granting experiences.

For Make-A-Wish, Hospital Wishes Week is both a celebration of extraordinary healthcare professionals and a reminder that wishes are most powerful when communities work together to support children facing critical illnesses.

For media inquiries, or to attend one of these upcoming wish experiences, please contact Shelly Millwee at smillwee@texgulf.wish.org, or via cell at (713) 834-7999. All media is required to RSVP in advance.

If you are interested in a sit-down interview or studio interview with Make-A-Wish leadership, healthcare leadership, and/or wish families, please specify the hospital and wish child request when RSVPing.