Year after year, the magic of Christmas brings joy to the lives of children. It’s a time when beloved holiday movies play on repeat and the radio is filled with cheery jingles. Letters to Santa are written and families hang their favorite decorations from their Christmas trees. All Brandon wanted for his wish was to escape the sadness of the hospital and spend time with his family in true Christmas fashion.
Brandon has had to deal with the ups and downs of leukemia for most of his young life. Although he reached a point of remission, he and his parents recently learned that the cancer had returned.
The holidays were fast approaching and all Brandon had to look forward to was the reality of further treatment and illness. After visiting with him, the Make-A-Wish® volunteers learned that his one true wish was to have a traditional Christmas with his family.
Entrusted with Brandon’s special request, the wish team put together a complete Christmas experience.
They set up the family in a house on the Tennessee River, so that they would have the space for everyone to join in. To make it feel extra cozy and festive, they decorated the Christmas home with wreaths and mini trees.
All of the best parts of Christmas were ensured for Brandon and his family. There was a Christmas tree with lights, hot cocoa to drink and the ingredients for making a gingerbread house.
The week leading up to Christmas, Brandon hung stockings and waited for the possibility of snow. One day, a group of carolers arrived at the door and serenaded the family with live holiday music. To top it all off, Santa left lots of presents for Brandon to open on Christmas morning.
The real magic of Brandon’s wish was that he got to spend it away from the hospital, playing and relaxing with loved ones. It’s a memory he can carry with him in any difficult moments ahead.