Born with severe and complex congenital heart defects, Nick has never experienced a normal childhood. Nick, now 20 years old, shares his story.

"Thank you so much to everyone involved in granting my college scholarship wish. I am pleased to report that I am a freshman at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse studying to become a teacher.

I became familiar with Make-A-Wish nearly three years ago during a consultation appointment with the transplant team at Children's Hospital. At that time, I was starting my sophomore year of high school. I was born with a very unique heart and have had five surgeries to try to make it more effective."

The decision was made that a heart transplant would be my best option to survive and I was placed on the waitlist.

My family was notified that a nearly perfect match had been made and I received my new heart on April 15, 2022. Since then, I have been blessed with amazing health and can now do so many things that I could only watch other kids do before my heart transplant.

I chose a college scholarship for my wish because recovering and finishing high school was a huge goal of mine. I was excited to return to school, extracurricular activities and all my friends.