Makayla fighting Grandulosa Cell Tumor of Ovary

WISH: Disneyland


I graduated high school in June of 2023. I had so many plans. It started with my summer job. I worked as a camp counselor to underprivileged children at a Salvation Army Camp. It was to be the first time I lived away from home. I was nervous but very excited. People came from all over the world to work here. Here I was, having the best summer of my life. The weeks were spent working and building the kingdom of God. The weekends were about my friends and family. I would go on hiking adventures with my new found friends. We spent way too many hours at the beach laughing till we cried. I was sad to see summer go but new adventures awaited. I started college at Fresno City College. I am a biology major with plans on one day going to med school. It had been my dream since I was a kid. I had the great privilege to play water polo there. This was going to be my season. I started strong! Classes were going well, I loved learning about science and math. I sat in the front row and it seemed like I was the only one to laugh at the teacher's jokes. I love science. Water Polo was challenging and I learned new positions. For the first time in my life I played goalie. I am so proud of the player I was becoming. It all changed in a moment. I had been having pain in my abdomen but I'm an athlete and I endure. I had changed my diet, lost weight and was at a physical peak. I went in for a checkup. That's all, just a simple checkup. My life changed in a matter of hours.

I've tried to be positive but the physical aspects of chemotherapy were overwhelming. I had all these plans. This was not supposed to be my life. I had to drop out of college because I could no longer attend classes. The hardest thing was I had to say goodbye to playing water polo. It was devastating! After being diagnosed, my life became doctor visits and hospital stays. I was so sick, nausea left me crippled and unable to function. Some days I would be released from the hospital, just to return a day or two later. I became withdrawn from my friends and a family. I hated the the way I looked. At one point I was crying nonstop, everyday. I no longer saw a future. How was I supposed to move forward? I struggled to communicate my despair.

Today, I've completed my last treatment and am waiting for my scans. I still have a lot of questions. How do I move forward? How do I trust my body? Some days are harder than others. I've started to set small goals. I've started to hang out with my friends and family again. Other days I struggle with thinking and walking. I know it will get better. Or at least that is what everyone says.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
I have always loved Disneyland. We used to go there every week when I was little. I must have owned every princess dress. My mom would doll me and my siblings up and off so we went on an adventure. By all means we were a Disney family. It has always been such a wonderful place for me and my family. I think that's why I wish to go to Disneyland. I remember a time we would go to Goofy's Kitchen and dance with the characters (for every birthday). We would eat all the snacks we could. We would play games while we stood in line. I was always so excited to see the parade. I know every song and movie. Afterall, I dreamed of being a princess.

Payton fighting Osteosarcoma

WISH: Alaska


My family had a lot of fun! "My name is Payton and I just got back from an AMAZING trip to Alaska with my family thanks to Niks Wish! After being diagnosed with osteosarcoma at 19 years old, I didn't know what the future would hold. I had so many worries, and still do, but spending time with family and traveling helps ease those worries and lets me forget about them. Thanks to Niks Wish, my family and I got a much needed vacation! It's hard to choose what was my favorite but I really enjoyed fishing with Angella and her husband (and dog) on my birthday! I also really enjoyed the dog sled tour! We got to hold PUPPIES!!!! We also went on a 6 hour boat cruise to see wildlife and saw whales feeding! My family and I can't thank Niks Wish enough. They brought so much joy to my family that has been missing for a couple years. Thank you to everyone who donates and makes wishes possible for people like me, and thank you to Angella, Rosemary, and Kelli for being amazing!

Jacob fighting Ewing Sarcoma

WISH: Star Wars movie celebration


Nik's wish blessed my family, friends, and myself with a phenomenal afternoon at LexLive movie theatre. I was fortunate enough to have the ability to connect with old friends, see family members and have some delicious food while watching Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Along with my afternoon, I was lucky enough to be able to receive some tremendous Lego Star Wars sets. I've always been fond of working with my hands and building stuff, so while in the midst of a very difficult time I was able to escape into a world where I felt comfortable and relaxed thanks to Niks wish and my sponsor Kayla. Without the support and love from Nik's wish it would've made it really hard to keep my spirits and morale high while battling Ewing Sarcoma. Thank you Nik's wish for letting me feel like a human being before a patient.

Camryn fighting Ewing Sarcoma

WISH: Hawaii - Oahu


"Thank you to Nik's Wish and everyone who made my dream of going to Hawaii come true. The trip was incredible, from relaxing on the beach to visiting Pearl Harbor. My favorite part was the luau-it was amazing to experience the culture, and getting to join the dance was so much fun. Thank you again for blessing my family and me with this unforgettable experience!"

Ashlynn fighting ALL

WISH: Hawaii


From Ashlynn Thanks to Nik's wish I was able to go to Hawaii. My first day I was able to go snorkeling to see turtles. I went to Kualoa Ranch for my second day, and I was able to do zip lining followed by a UTV tour of the ranch. On my third day, I went to the beautiful beaches with my family and I was able to wrap my trip up by going to the Pearl Harbor memorial. I'm thankful I was able to share this trip with my family who supported me during my cancer journey. Thank you to Nik's wish and all of the donors who helped to make my wish come true.

Eduardo fighting Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma

WISH: Oahu, Hawaii


Life before cancer was perfect. I worked in the evenings so I spent my days with my wife and son. We would wake up in the morning- eat breakfast and plan our day together. We were always at the pool, parks, trips and all kinds of events. Life after diagnosis has been more difficult with doctors appointments, hospital stays, hospice care nurses coming in and out of our house, being in a wheelchair at one point for weeks, and others. Yes, we still find time to do things together now but it's not the same in the slightest bit.
What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
Eduardo's lifelong dream is to see a whale in the wild. I (Eduardo's wife) found a couple of whale watching tours in cape cod that is not far from us. All my husband keeps saying is how he wants to spend time with us and be happy. Unfortunately it doesn't Look like he is going to have much time with the severity of his cancer and how quickly he is starting to not feel well. So we are planning to go as soon as possible. Other options he would be interested in would be a trip to the beach when it gets Warmer. He loves the beach and sand.

Cole fighting Papillary Carcinoma

WISH: Hawaii


After receiving my wish and going on a trip of a lifetime, I would personally like to thank the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation and all of their sponsors. The time and effort being put into this amazing cause is truly heartwarming. Having gone through my treatment and being given this opportunity, I could not ask for a better outcome. My family was able to spend quality time together that we will cherish forever. My wish and many others' would not have been possible without the generosity of all the volunteers, businesses, and public that donate. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Jadyn fighting Myeloid Leukemia

WISH: Hawaii


We have just finished our trip to Hawaii and I wanted to say thank you so much!! It was truly amazing and beyond what I was imagining. My family, friends and I had a wonderful experience and I am forever grateful that I had this opportunity. We had such a blast exploring the beautiful Island of Oahu and it was so relaxing and peaceful. The trip honestly could not have been more perfect. It couldn't have been made possible without your help and I just want you to know how appreciative I am of you and the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation! Below I have attached some photos that we took throughout our stay and I hope you can see just how great of a time we had through pictures. Thank you!!!

Jack fighting T-cell Leukemia

WISH: Hawaii - Big Island to see volcano


Jack was diagnosed 4 months after graduating high school. He was planning to go to college and study Nuclear Engineering. He was getting marks on his skin and not feeling well. He was first diagnosed with a rash and given skin cream. He had petechiae all over his body. He was finally diagnosed with leukemia. He has been fighting Leukemia for over 2 years. Now he has avascular necrosis in his shoulders and hips which requires replacement of both shoulders and hips.
His wish is to spend time in Key West and swim in the ocean. Jack has had a long battle with Cancer and his mother would love for him to have a positive and memorable experience in his lifetime.

Forrest fighting Ewing Sarcoma

WISH: Ozarks


Thank you for making my wish of spending time at the Lake come true. This wish couldn't have come at a better time. One week before the wish I was told I would have to have another surgery on my lung. Every minute I soaked in the time spent with my family meant the world to me. This lake is where I spent my summers growing up. As I watched the sunset from the dock I felt how truly lucky I was to be loved by so many people. People I have never met made this wish come true. One week after the trip the surgery is done. No cancer was found. LOVE WINS CANCER ZERO.

Stephen fighting Ewing's Sarcoma

WISH: Oahu


This trip meant everything to me. I didn't get to do as much as I wanted to but I enjoyed myself so much. I am so glad I got to make the memories with my family and my girlfriend. I proposed to her and she said yes which made it even more special. None of this would have been possible if it were not for Niks wish. My hope is to be able to donate something back to make someone else's wish come true. It was hard knowing why I got to go but I believe it's not in the doctors hands it's in God's hands. I am hoping to be able to get out and do more as I don't want to be trapped anymore just like this trip it couldn't have happened without you guys. Thank you again to Nik's wish and to all of the donors that made this possible. We appreciate you all.

Racheli fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma

WISH: Personal Training, Massage, Gift Cards for smoothies


I was lucky to be granted a wish through Nik's Wish foundation. Being sick since 2020 and being diagnosed with cancer in 2023 was rough to say the least. For years, I have stressed about my health and put my life on pause. When Nick's wish reached out, it was perfect timing as I just finished with my chemotherapy treatments. The wish that I was granted was to have a self-care package where I can really focus on getting myself back physically, mentally and become stronger. This wish has meant so much to me. I now feel that after so long, I am doing what is best for me and taking care of myself, just as I deserve. I could not have done it without this wonderful and meaningful foundation. My coordinator, Michelle Fitzgerald, was an angel to work with. I have never met someone who is so passionate about her job and does it solely from the fulfillment it gives her. I'm looking forward to spending the next couple months working out with my personal trainer, getting regular massages and treating myself to my favorite healthy juices. Thank you Nick's Wish for all you do!

Chase fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma

WISH: ATV


This wish meant a lot to me because it signified me being done with a difficult time in my life as well as me being onto new things and my life getting back to normal. This wish meant a lot to me because of how many people came together to make it happen and how I'm surrounded by loving parents, friends and family.

Seth fighting Synovial Sarcoma

WISH: Meditation Retreat


I chose a meditation retreat for my Nik's wish. The retreat teaches a type of active meditation that trains your brain to change your brain neurology and chemistry to affect your biology. It's a way of meditating your way to good health. The retreat alternated between science research lectures on how meditation literally changes your blood chemistry and your brain neurology and learning actual meditations. We learned to meditate sitting down, lying down and walking. We were learning to pay attention to our thoughts about our health and our emotions constantly, that's why we worked on walking meditations too.


The days were unbelievably long, from 4-6am to 8-9pm. There were breaks and the food was excellent, but we were all exhausted. I was really surprised by how kind and loving all the people were. As soon as we got there, people were asking to hug me or hold my hand. They would tell me they loved me and I received several gifts from people I didn't know. All week long people told me they were meditating on helping me heal or that they were praying for me to be healed. It was the most loving supportive environment and I don't think there could have been a better place for me to be. At times I wanted to give up, but people kept holding my hand and encouraging me to just stay in the room, just stay for one more meditation. I slept through some of it and literally had panic attacks at times, but I got through it all and I think I absorbed so much love that it has definitely changed me. I am much stronger than I was a week ago. My head is clearer. I can read again and I don't have nearly as much pain. I'm off every single pain killer, nerve blocker and muscle relaxer. Now I feel motivated to get my body in shape to surf again. I'm feeling like I can plan for my future and be strong enough physically, mentally and emotionally to make it all happen. I made so many friends and I believe these friendships will be long lasting. This was truly the best thing that ever happened to me during my cancer journey. I wish everyone had the opportunity to be in such a loving supportive environment and to learn techniques to train their brain to make their body healthy again.

Jocelyn fighting ALL

WISH: Wish Reveal


Aloha!
I want to tell each of you how incredibly grateful we are that you selected our daughter. She truly is the most deserving young woman. I have so many pictures to share with you, and a couple videos. The news is working on her story as we speak, it will air tonight at 11pm on KSEE24 and CBS47 out of Fresno, California. I will send a link when I get it.
We are truly blessed to have an organization like yours to bring this amount of joy to our lives.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Candace Benomar.

Ravi fighting Osteosarcoma

WISH: Duluth MN


Before Cancer, Ravi loved to bowl with special Olympics, ride his adaptive bike, go for long walks, go to school, and be with his family. He rarely can go to school and seldom has the energy to do many of his favorite activities. He will graduate on June 13, 2023. He hopes to go to a day treatment program in the fall, if his health permits. Due to his autism and epilepsy, he needs 24/7 care from his parents. Mom is his full-time paid parent PCA. Dad took Family Leave and is now retiring to take better care of his family. Ravi loves animals and would like to see the ocean. He loves large bodies of water and riding on boats. Ravi is nonspeaking but communicates through his AAC, whom he has named Sam. Sam goes everywhere with him and lets Ravi tell the world what he is thinking and feeling. When asked by his oncologist what he wanted, Ravi said, "I want to be happy." As a mom, it is my goal to provide the best quality of life for my son as long as possible. Ravi has rarely been out of the state of Minnesota. He would like to go to California, see a friend and visit the Pacific. He would love to walk on the beach and feel the waves. He loves being outside and likes water. He has never seen the ocean. He would like to share this experience with his friend Thomas, who lives in California, and also has autism.

Braden fighting ALL

WISH: Surprise call from Clay Guida UFC fighter


Before I was diagnosed I was a sophomore in college, working a part time job, active in church and hanging out with my friends.
After I was diagnosed in 2021, everything changed. I have spent more time in the hospital in the last 2 years than I have at home. I have also been immunocompromised the entire time, which means I have been isolated from friends and family. I have been unable to travel or even go out to eat.
I recently underwent a bone marrow transplant. I am recovering now and working on getting stronger. I would like to go to a UFC fight in Las Vegas. One of my favorite things to do when I was in the hospital was watch UFC fights. It always gave me something to look forward to and helped pass the time. I know experiencing this in person would be great!

Chloe fighting Osteosarcoma

WISH: Birthday Trip to Chicago


Nik's Wish meant so much to me. This past year has been extremely hard on me, including many hospital stays and a recent stay I ended up in the ICU. This trip gave me time away from home. Our hotel room was amazing, relaxing, with a wonderful view of the canal. The activities were spectacular, I wish we could have stayed longer. I just wanted to say Thank You to Nik's Wish and everything they did for us.

Keaira fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma

WISH: NYC


This trip meant a lot to me. I don't often get to go to New York City so when I had the chance I took it. Theater is a really big thing in my life and when I had cancer I still performed in a play in a lead role. It's therapeutic for me so I couldn't be happier to go. I had a chance to see shows I've never seen and to see my absolute favorite musical live for a second time with some of the best cast, especially Mary Kate Morrissey whose character I resonate with.

Hayden fighting Osteosarcoma

WISH: Fishing


Thanks for the amazing trip! Hayden had an amazing time fishing and just enjoying the time away from home and the doctors appointments! I can't thank you guys enough!

Shaniah fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma

WISH: Oahu, Hawaii


My Nicks Wish meant the world to me honestly! Ever since I was a little kid I've always wanted to go to Hawaii. It was like a childhood fulfillment! Me and my family enjoyed every bit of that trip, for us it was like a breath of fresh Hawaiian air. Hawaii had great energy and I loved everything from nature, and looking at the island from parasailing to learning about their culture at the LALU! So thank you so much for helping me turn my dream into a reality!

Angel fighting Pseudomyogenic Hemangioendothelioma

WISH: LA Chargers Game Home vs Raiders Opener


We are about to leave the hotel, just wanted to again express my gratitude! My family and I had the absolute best time here in California. The football game was perfect, Universal was amazing. I can't thank you and your foundation enough for the amazing support!

Arlo fighting Germ Cell Cancer

WISH: Vacation to LegoLand


Wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for granting my son Arlo's wish to go to Legoland Florida and Universal Studios. He had such a magical vacation and it made him very, very happy. Several times he said, "my face hurts from smiling so much!" It was so great for all of us, and we will treasure the memories we made together.
Erin made sure that every detail was taken care of, even arranging for Uber to bring us to and from the airports we all traveled from. The night before the trip, we were unsure if Arlo would be able to travel because his white blood cell count was low, but his doctor arranged for him to get a Neupogen shot at the last minute and it all worked out. I'm having trouble finding the words to express how grateful we are to have gone on this incredible trip, with every detail taken care of. Arlo was able to buy a huge Lego set with some of the spending money, and we went on a fantastic private tour of the Lego builders model shop. It was truly a dream come true for Arlo and I will be forever grateful for the generosity of the folks at Nik's Wish who made it happen.
I know you understand what our family is going through and how uncertain the future feels, and I am in awe of you- that in your grief you built this organization to grant wishes. I will be thinking of you and of Nik as we navigate Arlo's cancer journey together. You are both an inspiration. Thank you for all you do, and thank you so much for granting Arlo's wish.
With love and endless gratitude,
Laura Dannhauser
Arlo Elliott's mom

Luke fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma

WISH: Re-book: Kaui


"I just want to say a huge thank you to Nik's Wish and all the generous donors who made it possible for my family and me to experience the beauty of Hawaii. Two months after graduating from high school, I received my diagnosis, and the journey since has been incredibly challenging for all of us. This trip was the perfect escape, allowing us to focus on creating unforgettable memories together and not on the struggles I've faced. It truly gave a boost to my mental health, and I will forever be grateful for this opportunity. Thank you again for making this dream come true."

Cody fighting colon cancer

Key West


I want to say thank you to niks wish and all the donors who made a dream come true this wish meant a lot to me and my family especially my 2 yr old son he may not understand things at this age but I can assure you his dad and moms heart melted when we heard that we would have a opportunity to spend a few nights away in a place we always wanted to go we enjoyed every second of it and during this trip it was so relaxing and peaceful not once did we sit and think about cancer although now we face the upcoming test results we will have some weight on our shoulders but we will always hope for the best and we know we have a great support system behind us every step of the way we will always remember this trip and once again we can't thank everyone enough it truly meant a lot to us

Madison fighting Synovial Sarcoma

Disneyland, CALI


I wanna start first by saying this foundation is amazing and what you guys do is truly angelic. The trip to California was so special to me , an escape from reality at most, it gave me a minute to relax and worry about the next fun thing to do , instead of the cancer and treatments, I got to leave all that at home and focus on the better things in life. me and my sons had a MAGICAL time and made us bond so much closer. and a huge thank you to kelli who made sure everything went smoothly also. This trip is something me or my kids will never forget and I'm so grateful Nik's wish made it happen for us!

Lauren fighting Breast Cancer

ClearWater Beach, FL


My name is Lauren Gritt, I'm 22 years old. I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Breast Cancer /BRCA 2+, HER 2+ at 19 years old. Niks Wish granted me a wish and I used it to visit my family and explore Clearwater, FL for the first time. It meant so much to me because I don't get to see my family often with them living far away. I had so much fun and I was finally able to feel free. I was able to leave my diagnosis at home and be me again. Niks Wish will never know how much this meant to me and I'm so grateful to have been given this opportunity!

Naquise fighting Osteosarcoma

Disneyland, CALI


Thank you for doing this for my family. I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.

Sarah fighting Synovial Sarcoma

Hawaii


I wanted to write a quick note to say thank you for the beautiful gift you gave our family. When you go through cancer, what is really important becomes clear very quickly. This trip let our family create beautiful memories together that helped us connect after a very, very rough year. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will never forget it.

Sam fighting Osteosarcoma

Wyoming


Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for an amazing trip to Wyoming! Sam has wanted to go ride horses and see the beautiful mountains for a long time and you made his wish come true. He has looked forward to this trip for the last 9 months of treatments and helped our family get through it all. There was no talk of hospitals, treatments, doctors or prognosis on this trip, only lots of joy and happiness! We will always treasure this once in a lifetime experience as a family. God bless you all for everything you do!

Deonte fighting Fibroblastic Osteosarcoma

WISH: Gaming Computer

I'm not good with portraying my emotions through words but, for me it was getting to explore my digital creativity more and wanting to share my work and now that I have my wish I get to chase my dream and that makes me extremely happy and grateful that opportunities like this exist for people in my situation.

Aiko fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma

WISH: Pink Gaming Computer

I'm super glad you guys were able to make this wish come true! I been dreaming of becoming a streamer for some time now and you guys were a HUGE part in helping me get there! There are things about my setup that have yet to be finished before I'm prepared to stream someday. But everything is almost complete! I can't begin how to express my gratitude to all those that helped make this wish become a reality. I hope to become a streamer and hopefully use that influence to make the world a greater place^^ And especially to inform people about my illness and how hard it can be on patients like myself. Nik's Wish really sparks hope for me and their actions have truly warmed my heart. I know for a fact that if Nik's Wish can help me achieve my dreams, I know that they will for others as well.

Jude fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma

WISH: HAWAII


Thank you Video from Jude!

Back in January of 2023 it was my Senior year of High School, and I thought my biggest problem was picking what college to go to or if I'm gonna meet the girl of my dreams soon and things of that nature.

In January we went to a specialist appointment because I had been struggling with my health for quite some time and we thought we were checking to see if I had asthma. After a scan we were sent directly to the ER for more tests. After waiting for a while in the ER the doctor eventually told me that I have Hodgkins Lymphoma Cancer. He also said that I likely wouldn't graduate or go to my senior prom. The type and stage of my Cancer was treated as high risk so we started treatment right away and within the week I had multiple surgeries and immediately started chemo. My first stay in the hospital was 14 days and each time I had treatment over the next 6 months I had to be hospitalized for a minimum of three days to be monitored while receiving each treatment.

But before I started treatment God gave me a quick word "Life gives you hurdles, and hurdles are made to be jumped over." And that's what kept me going! During treatment the focus was on getting better and staying healthy, so I didn't get to have as much quality time with my family as I wanted to. We also had to cancel and miss out on any planned family vacations including my Senior trip. So, the surprise of being able to go to a place like Hawaii was overwhelming and a needed boost to my mental health and brought so much joy!

This trip was one of the most healing experiences and seeing the Lords creation in its full beauty alongside my family was amazing! On top of that, we got to go on the trip around the same time that I got diagnosed the previous year, so a time that would normally be sad turned into a time of overwhelming peace! I'm so thankful to all the people who made my trip possible and am beyond grateful for your generosity, I'll never forget this trip for the rest of my life! God Bless.

Sezny fighting Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

WISH: Hang gliding


I was diagnosed with cancer one month after graduating from college with so much that I still wanted to do and had never yet experienced. My diagnosis was not expected to be terminal but with cancer you never know if or when it will become so. To help with this unknown and all of the anxiety that accompanied it, I made myself a bucket list and committed to doing as much as possible as soon as possible. Memore morte (remember you will die), carpe diem (seize the day). At the top of my list was hang gliding - I wanted to know what it was like to fly like a bird. Unfortunately, given the timing of my diagnosis, I have never had a job that paid especially well and was rapidly running out of money as I went through my cancer treatment and all the health issues that accompanied and followed it.

Nik's Wish made it possible for me to know the answer to my question. Flying like a bird is freedom and beauty and joy; it is breathtaking, and there is no space for your worldly concerns when you are flying so high above it with the wind in your face and the sun turning pink on the horizon. But my wish wound up being more than a couple of these stunning flights. It was a long weekend in which I felt no anxiety or worry. Any cancer patient can tell you how omnipresent stress is in their lives. What will the scan show? Will the chemo work? Will the cancer come back? Will I die? What will that mean for my family? But last weekend, these thoughts didn't enter my mind once. I didn't even need to worry about the logistics or the cost of anything, from transportation to food. Wendy, my Wish Maker, organized everything including a last minute trip to Universal Studios. She was always available to help me. There was nothing for me to do except enjoy my trip.

Nik's wish: to bring joy. I've rarely heard such a pressing wish, especially when facing the darkness of cancer and all that accompanies it. And I can safely say that it was granted - my trip was joy incarnate.

Andrea fighting Breast Cancer

WISH: Gaming Laptop


Thank you so much for reaching out to me today. When I told my mom, she cried. She wanted me to tell you how grateful she is and how she wanted to give you this giant hug; if I'm honest, I do too. I wanted to thank you, so so so much, for everything Nik's Wish has done for me. Being told I had breast cancer at 23 was not easy at all. I had to drop out of school & move across the country back home with my parents to start chemo, surgeries and radiation. It felt like I couldn't escape anything bad in my life. One thing that did help me escape was playing the sims! I've always loved the game, but building and decorating houses in the sims allowed me to have a creative outlet, somewhere I could make definitive choices. I had to stop because my laptop wasn't strong enough to process the game, so to have the opportunity to keep doing something I love and gave me so much peace and therapy during treatment brings me endless joy. I'm forever grateful as I keep doing my hormonal treatment.

Kirsten fighting Brain Cancer

WISH: HAWAII


Niks Wish is absolutely amazing. What you guys do for everyone is truly amazing.
I can't even put into words how I truly feel about the trip to Kauai. It feels so unreal. From the time I got on to the plane till now, I still can't believe I went. Hawaii has been such a big dream of mine to go see and explore since I was little. The fact that I was able to experience this beautiful trip through the midst of all I was going through is absolutely astonishing. I was going through a lot and have been really stressed lately and kind of felt like I was never going to get a break, but I did and it was the best peaceful break I've had in my whole life. I went on hikes up the cliffs and mountains by myself in the mornings, to just breathe it all in. Whether it was tubing through mountains or sailing around the Na Pali Coast, I was at complete peace. I was so sad for it to end but it's an experience I'll never forget. I am so grateful Niks Wish blessing me with such a beautiful trip. I will forever share my experience with everyone about how beautiful the trip was and about well me and my family were taking care of. Especially with Tammy constantly checking up and making sure we were all okay. She was just absolutely on top of everything. What you guys do for us who are going through a lot. Whether it be with treatment or the loads of doctors appointments you guys help us all get that break we desperately need. So from my family to you guys. Mahalo! ?
-Kirsten
God Bless You.

Nia Tai fighting Breast Cancer

WISH: DISNEY WORLD


Thank you so much for making a wish of mine come true, which is giving my children a time that they won't forget in the most magical place on earth

Timothy fighting Osteosarcoma

WISH: Disney


Watch the Christmas surprise wish delivery!
Click here

I want to thank the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation for letting us forget our worries and just have FUN at Disney world. I also want to thank you guys for letting my husband have his wish come true and be at Disney world for the first time. He was so happy and amazed at Disney just seeing that smile on his face made my cry of happiness and joy. And also my kids being able to be kids. We had a blast, made so many memories and loved every second of it. Florida was beautiful, and now our son and my husband want to live there lol! But once again thank you for everything you have done for my family and I. We greatly appreciate it.

Lauren fighting ALL

WISH: Arizona


This wish has been such a blessing to me and my family. Since my diagnosis in 2019 my family spent so much time in and out of the hospital taking care of me during my treatments. For my wish all I wanted was a chance for my family to relax and take a breath after everything. During my 2.5 years of treatments I lost my ability to walk and after I had to have two knee surgeries. As a celebration of making it through everything I wanted to spend time with my family enjoying the Lord's beautiful creations in celebration of His goodness and grace. Thank you so much to Niks wish for your generosity and goodness. There will never be enough words to express how good you have been to me and my family.

Aaliyah from TX fighting Osteosarcoma

WISH: Disney


I would like to say thank you to yourself and also to Nikolas mom. The trip was everything we could have imagined and it gave me the chance to make those memories with my family, especially my kids. I will always cherish those moments. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing what you do.

Mason from MI fighting ALL

WISH: San Diego Zoo


I'm so grateful that I was able to go on this trip not only for me but for my family too! It meant a lot to be able to go out and travel again since for the last couple years I had been limited to where and what I could do. This trip was for more than just me because it was for my family as well who had been with me every step of this process and I wouldn't be here today without them, so to share this adventure with them meant more than anything to me. It was awesome to go to Universal Horror Nights for the Halloween season and to get behind the scenes with animals at the San Diego Zoo! Both are unique and memorable moments that I will never forget.
Thank you so much Nik's wish!

Lauren from WV fighting Breast Cancer

WISH: Morgan Wallen Concert


The concert was an absolute dream come true, Thank you so much!

Caleb from IN fighting Round Cell Sarcoma

WISH: ATV


Thank u so much for helping me get my dream ride! It's big! I just cant believe it's all mine! Thank you so much! It's exactly what I dreamed about having for years. I am so thankful. I was feeling so trapped in my body cuz i couldn't go out into the countryside like i used to all the time but now I know I can and I just feel so much better because of that. I haven't felt this close to freedom and normal since I was diagnosed. I feel like a brand new person! I can't thank you and Nik's Wish enough. I just feel so happy that I can't find all the words to describe how I feel. I'm grateful. Thank you!

Mackenzie from WI fighting Ewing Sarcoma

WISH: Antelope Hunting


Went prairie dog hunting today!! It was a blast. I'm sure you know about this, but Dustin set us up with the most amazing, kindest gifts today. I don't know how he pulled this off & pulled off them helping sponsor the hunt, but WOW. At a loss for words honestly. Here is a picture of us with Dustin & his son with our Nik's Wish shirts on!!!
I got my antelope today! Super happy, it was a great day and we had a great time.

Isaiah from CT fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma

WISH: NYC


I just wanted to give a huge THANK YOU for sending us on this wonderful trip! We had a ton of fun, got some great souvenirs, and made great memories with these pictures! Thanks again for all you guys do, this was awesome!

Abby from IL fighting Osteosarcoma

Wish: Road Trip back home to Montana


Imani from MS fighting ACUTE T Cell Leukemia ALL

WISH: Hawaii


My trip from Nik's Wish meant a lot to me especially after losing my mom the year before. The trip was very relaxing due to the point I zoned out twice.

Michael from WA fighting Ewing Sarcoma

Wish: Corgi Puppy


Thanks to Nik's Wish, I feel alive again! The moment they called me to inform me that my wish for a puppy Pembroke Welsh Corgi was granted was truly magical. Having a puppy in my life is an incredibly heartwarming experience, filled with unconditional love and joy. It's no wonder I named her Eudora, which means "Excellent gift" in Greek, as she truly is a precious gift from Nik's Wish. My bond with Eudora will bring me countless moments of happiness and companionship for years to come!

Sawyer from NC fighting Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Wish: Skydive Hawaii


Sawyer said that yesterday was one the best experiences of his life!!!! So hard to believe he was hooked up to six lines of chemo less than 6 months ago! What an amazing gift for me as his mom, to see life in his face!!!!!! Forever grateful.--

Bilal from IL fighting Hodgkins Lymphoma

Wish: Big Cancer logo and gaming computer


Hi, my name is Bilal and I'm beyond grateful for this wish. I am able to work on my clothing brand and expand my knowledge on PC. This wish put me in a position to complete my dream!

Elyanna from IL fighting Osteosarcoma

Wish: Universal Studios


I want to thank Nik's Wish for granting my wish. My wish meant a lot to me because me and my family got to spend a lot of time together making memories that we will talk about in the future. It was nice to visit California for the first time with my siblings and go to Universal Studios and on the Hollywood Bus Tour, it was so good to experience a different place. This has been the highlight of my year of ups and downs. I thank you guys so much!

Jordan from Alabama fighting Astrocytoma WHO

Wish: Taylor Swift Concert


The day started amazingly and ended even better. We danced, sang, yelled, ate, and partied, but most of all, we had the TIME OF OUR LIVES!!! Let me backtrack.

When I got the phone call that I was, in fact, going to a Taylor Swift concert, my jaw HIT THE FLOOR. I couldn't believe it was true! It was my number one wish, so that is what I asked for. Thanks to the hard work of many people, they found a super precious person that would donate tickets in a SUITE!! The concert would be in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles, at SOFI stadium. We would be staying for 5 days in total! They asked me what I wanted to do on my trip besides the concert, but I was just so excited to be going to California, since I had never been before, and to see Taylor Swift, I could hardly think of things!!

We arrived on Tuesday morning, touring the games and everything the hotel offered, like free bikes or beach stuff, then got a record and sat on the patio to watch the sunset.

On Wednesday it was the day of the CONCERT!! And we were SO SO SO BEYOND READY. We had pre-prepared our outfits. I was going to wear white boots, an "All Too Well" T-Shirt and I had a homemade bedazzled back, pink guitar earrings, and a red hat! And my mom was wearing jeans, and sparkly, bedazzled shoes! I had the rest of my jewelry thanks to Mrs. Madison and our Niks wish box! She made us a few friendship bracelets each which we LOVED and got to share and pass around, and then I sported my Niks wish bracelet! My Dad was our taxi cab driver, which we are so thankful for because the traffic that day blew my mind! We finally got to the stadium and I could not believe how huge it was! I wanted everything to be a surprise so I tried to do as little Google searching as possible. We, of course, had to take pictures with the SOFI stadium sign and have a little photo shoot lol. Now we were on to find our suite!! I could not describe the excitement that was building in me, seeing how we were at SOFI stadium, hours away from seeing MS. TAYLOR SWIFT HERSELF, not to mention in SUITE SEATS!! As soon as we got into our suite, we were showered with love and we felt so included in everything. They swapped out friendship bracelets with us and told us to get anything we like to eat, I was included in group chats even before I met these people and that made me feel special and like I was a part of the friend group, and we even got in on the suite photo! They had so many different arrays of food, like chicken, fruit, salad, sandwiches, and multiple others. Me and my mom then went and looked around downstairs where they were selling the merch, but all the lines were so long, we decided not to get one. So we just went back up and socialized. Then the concert started! The opening act was HAIM and Gayle, and then we went into Taylor. She played songs like "Lover", "You Belong With Me", "Tolerate It", "Delicate", "Wildest Dreams", and "Lavender Haze". They even played one of my all-time favorite songs, "All Too Well", but not just the regular version, THE TEN MINUTE VERSION. I get chills thinking of it now because of how much I enjoyed it. She also played "August", which is ranked up there in my favorite songs. I screamed and danced to all the songs I knew and danced to the ones I did not! There was not one song I didn't have a good time listening to. We also learned something that night! I did not know that "Betty" was from a male perspective! We took so many photos and videos that night, and I am glad because I like to re-watch the videos and look at all the photos of the suite and relive those moments when it gets things get quiet.

On Thursday, we got up and we went into Hollywood! We were going to the Celebrity TMZ Bus tour and on our way, we saw multiple peoples stars like Dick Wolf, Ice T, Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves from Speed, Jane Seymour from Dr.Quinn Medicine Woman, which was such a staple growing up, Betty White and Billy Joel, and that was just some of them! We had such a good time finding stars and taking pictures with them. On the bus tour, they said Vanna White jumped on the bus with her son one day! Then we went shopping, and we got multiple things to remember our trip by, like mugs, cups, and stickers!! Then we had a ghost tour around some parts of Hollywood! We got multiple looks at the Hollywood sign and heard about all kinds of murders and scary things. Then, on our way home we went to look at the Fast and the Furious house and got some pictures of it! What a staple! We finished off the night by making smores in one of the hotel's many firepits!

On Friday, we had tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific! What a good time that was!! We saw many things like special kinds of fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and a small shark all cohabitating in the same tank! We also saw many things like different types of starfish and sea urchins, and sea cucumbers!! Then we walked around a little bit and went to get lunch! Afterward, we went to see the Golden Girl's house and saw the house where my Grandpa was raised. We finished our last night in California at the Santa Monica Pier riding the Ferris Wheel, walking around listening to all the people play instruments, watching people fish and watching the sunset, playing in the arcade like kids, and listening to karaoke while eating on the pier!

This trip meant so much to me because otherwise, I wouldn't have got to experience this trip without Nik's Wish. I may have never gotten a chance to go to California or a Taylor Swift concert if it weren't for Nik's wish!! We can go to the park, or the beach close by sometimes, but if we want to go somewhere big, like CALIFORNIA, it is going to take at least 6 months to a year of saving up, but Nik's Wish made it possible QUICK. It was also nice to be able to get away and get out of the city limits, and not have to think about anything except gorgeous beaches, movie stars, pretty sunsets, and TAYLOR SWIFT!!!!! We grew closer as a family with the bus tours, the Santa Monica Pier and the arcade, the concert, and individuals when we sat by ourselves in the plane, it helped me in my social skills to go in the suite and meet new people, and I and Taylor Swift grew closer by me seeing her at the concert ;))

We are extremely grateful for Nik's wish for all you do, and for making my dream come true!!

Kyle from SC fighting Osteosarcoma

WISH: Hawaii


Kyle is relaxing like I haven't seen him in a long time

Lane from IL fighting Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Wish: Disney with his daughter


Lane said it meant being able to take Aubrey on her first plane ride with him , seeing the excitement on her face when they walked around the corner and seen the castle for the first time . Being able to take the trip with her creating wonderful memories that she will remember for the rest of her life . Lane could have picked any wish but he wanted to do this for her . This trip was amazing for both of them especially since we didn't get good news on Tuesday . From the bottom of our hearts we thank Niks Wish

Taylor from WV fighting Ewing Sarcoma

Wish: Hawaii Honeymoon


This trip meant to me that all my perseverance through out my cancer diagnosis, treatment, relapse, and further treatment was worth it! It is a reminder that despite the horrible things a person mite go through, they can still see the beautiful parts of the world and continue to push forward! It has truly been the most amazing experience that I've had so far! I would close my eyes, breath, and take it all in. I could see before me in Hawaii, all the wile feeling so grateful and blessed to be standing somewhere that I at one point I thought I would never get tot chance to go! This trip for me defined "keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles because you never know where life may take you!

It is very surreal thinking back to moments in my treatment recovering from surgery where I couldn't even walk, to then be swimming with the wild dolphins, riding UTVs in Kualoa Ranch, walking up a pat to swim under a waterfall, and walking around all day touring Pearl Harbot!

We are so extremely grateful to Nik's Wish and the Anna Miller Foundation. What you all do is amazing and a blessing.

Gary from IL fighting B Lymphoblastic Lymphoma

Golden State Warriors game


It was an awesome trip, being a lifetime warriors fan and California native it meant the world to come back to my home state and get an experience I could never imagine. Had great seating and the people seated around me were awesome as well. A well needed vacation watching my favorite team face off against my recently passed brothers favorite team. Thank you!

Matthew from AL fighting ALL

Shopping Spree with Family


What Niks wish meant to me, was spending time with my family and having fun with the people I love. My favorite thing about my wish was the time that I got to spend with my family"

Valeria from FL fighting Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer

Wedding Venue


Nik's Wish has brought so much relief and happiness in helping me with my wedding. You've granted me and my husband a day full of smiles, everyone was so happy to have heard of your foundation granting me the wish of having the wedding greater than my dreams! My health journey has caused so many challenges and strains as it would for any other cancer patient. But what I was able to celebrate couldn't have been done without your help! This was more than a wish, everyone has kept up with me, asking how I'm doing and if I need anything. I even got a super cool gift box full of goodies and I was not expecting it! Thank you from David and myself, we're happier than ever and are optimistic to start a family sometime in the next few years, God willing. Bless you all for helping me plan my wedding above all else! I cannot wait to be able to help contribute for this foundation myself. I LOVE YOU ALL!!

Amelia from WI fighting Refractory High Risk Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Cody Fry Concert


The show was AMAZING! You definitely helped me create a core memory. Those were the best couple of days in my life, I was so happy and it was so refreshing to be able to get away for a while just be...'normal'. In the best way possible.

Natalie from WI fighting Epithelioid Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Sarcoma

Hawaii


"This trip was a once in a lifetime experience. It was a dream come true, and being able to have my family there made it just that much more amazing!"

Vanessa from MA fighting Colon cancer

Boston Celtics Game


Vanessa was just diagnosed with colon cancer; she has a genetic condition (familial adenomatous polyposis) and also had medulloblastoma as a young child. She was in special education and prior to her diagnosis was active in day program and a work program; she has had to leave all of that behind to treat her new cancer diagnosis. She had a surgical resection and now has an ileostomy and is getting chemotherapy. Her life changed completely and she has struggled to get the confidence to go out and be active again. She has a loving and supportive family; she lives with her mom and younger brother and stepfather; her father is nearby and comes to appointments with her and her older sister is nearby and involved too. Her mother has quit her job to be her caregiver.

Joseph from AL fighting Brain Stem Glioma

Kentucky Derby


We had an amazing time in Louisville, Kentucky at The Kentucky Derby! We left Alabama on Wednesday and got to the hotel that evening! Mom said that Kelli had planned a surprise for me early Thursday morning at Churchill Downs and I was curious as to what it could be. It was eating at my mind but I decided to wait and see what fun was in store.

Early that morning we met Clint Glasscock, member of Starlight Racing who produced Triple Crown Winner Justify and 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic, on the backside of Churchill Downs to watch workouts and it was awesome! I got to be on
Clint's radio show and tell my story and the great story of Nik's Wish! I met a reporter named Jennie Rees that works at Kentucky Downs that heard about my story and told Trainer Eric Reed about us. He trains Rich Strike who won the 2022
Derby at 80-1! He wanted to meet us and sent a golf cart over to pick us up and to meet him and Richie! He was there to run a grade 2 stake called The Alysheba. We met them and fed Rich Strike some Peppermints and talked racing. This was easily my favorite part of the weekend. I will always be thankful for Kelli getting us there and the kindness of Jennie and Eric.

Thursday afternoon we went to the Louisville Slugger Museum and toured the factory. It was neat to see the factory and all the history of bats. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and fun to talk with. We were able to go to the bat room where they store every model Louisville Slugger. The history in that room was amazing. Friday and Saturday were spent at the races at Churchill Downs! We were in the all new First Turn Club which featured outstanding food and atmosphere. My sister has never watched horse racing and was picking colors and names and whooping my butt! I was in there handicapping my tail off and could not catch a break! One of my favorite memories will be watching the horses round the 1st turn in the Kentucky Derby with my family.

I am forever grateful to Nik's Wish and this amazing experience. It allowed me to get away with my family and fulfill a lifelong dream. I can remember just a little over a year ago sitting in a hotel room after taking radiation wondering if I would live to see another Kentucky Derby. Let alone attend one! I am so blessed and thankful.

Luciana from AR fighting Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Beach


We had so much fun and loved every minute of our trip! God Bless you!

Jasmine from CA fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Hawaii


My name is Jasmine and I am 19 years old, My wish was to go to Hawaii with my Family and my wish was granted! I would have never thought I would be here. I had a very hard year in 2022 and coming to Hawaii was an amazing experience and made many memories with my family, if it wasn't for Niks wish I wouldn't have been able to experience this. We experienced a lot of once in a lifetime memories, we got to swim with turtles, and do a cruise.

I love nature and being able to wake up in such a beautiful environment was amazing, it is so green it's beautiful, makes me happy. I greatly appreciate Niks wish!

Thank You so much from the bottom of our hearts!<3

Alyssa from TX fighting Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Hawaii


This trip to Hawaii was the trip of a lifetime for my family & I. This trip brought my family closer than ever and reminded us all just how precious life is and how grateful to God we are to be alive another day especially after the trials that cancer brought me in the last year. The island of Oahu was such a beautiful place filled with the most gorgeous views. While there, I learned a lot about Hawaiian culture and a big part of it is spirituality. I specifically remember when we went snorkeling with sea turtles, a Hawaiian local came and spoke about how in Hawaiian culture they believe that going into the ocean can be a healing experience and that is exactly what this trip was for me. While on my trip I celebrated 1 year of being cancer free and I am so blessed I got to embrace this new healing journey and chapter in my life. I can't thank everyone at the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation enough for what they have done for me. & I plan to share this foundation with fellow AYA cancer patients/ survivors I meet in my lifetime so that they can experience the joy that Nik's Wish brought me as well.

Denise from TX fighting stage 3 Ovarian, Fallopian cancer.

Hawaii


I am so grateful for the Niks wish foundation and everyone who works so hard to grant these wishes. This was an amazing trip/ experience that I never thought that I would be able to do once I was diagnosed. I completed 6 rounds of chemo and had a collapsed lung before this trip. Being granted this wish made me fight that much harder. I had the best time and even forgot I was "sick" even if it was just for a moment. This opportunity made all the difficult obstacles I have faced worth it.

Natalie T from MI fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Hawaii


I am so thankful to the Niks Wish Foundation and all who have contributed in making my wish to go to Hawaii into a reality and turning it into a trip of a lifetime. Fighting Hodgkin's lymphoma for two years out of my life put a lot of stress on not only me but my family as well. Although I have now been in remission for two years, this trip meant so much as we got to take a week to experience adventures we most likely would have never experienced without the help of Nik's Wish such as snorkeling with sea turtles in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and finding the hidden gems of Oahu's breathtaking sights!

While going through chemo, I always would talk about wanting to take a break from the hospital and escape to Hawaii. Because I talked my parents heads off about Hawaii, they promised that as soon as I was healthy again, we would start saving up. Coincidentally, on my very last day of receiving my last dose of immunotherapy, a social worker came up to me and asked if I had ever heard of Nik's Wish before, which is when I put my wish in! Before I knew it I had received a call from Kelli saying that I was next to receive my wish!

This trip has meant so much to me and I am glad I got the opportunity to make memories with the people who are closest to me. My parents spend so much of their time and energy making sure that I am happy and have everything that I need. Of course during chemo, that only increased even more. From my mom being by my side for every single appointment to my dad making me pretty plates of fruit to make me smile, they both were right next to me no matter what. This trip was just one way to thank them for everything that they went through to make sure I was getting the best care and treatment during those difficult days.

Tori from TX fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Key West Honeymoon


I just wanted to say thank you to Nik's Wish for making this incredible trip happen! We had so much fun and the weather was absolutely perfect.

We laid on the beach, went snorkeling, had a couples massage and rented a golf cart to explore the island of Key West! It was the perfect vacation for us to celebrate life. Thankful for the life we live and welcoming the new life we get to bring into this world come July!

Alexander from IN fighting B cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Family Reunion


Jerayle from AL fighting Osteosarcoma

Hawaii


From the moment my wish was granted my family was instantly impacted. It was like a breath of fresh air. To have been through so many trials & hardships for weeks on end and finally have your wishes come true is something you could never show enough gratitude for. My Nik's Wish gave my family the chance to relax in a state of peace because even though I am the only person effected physically it takes it's toll on each of us mentally.

My wish gave us the chance to create countless memories as well as visit a place that we had only seen in photos and videos. We also experienced the Polynesian culture first hand and learned more about the many aspects of their way of life such as their agriculture, dialect, beliefs, etc.

My favorite part of the trip would without a doubt be the Kuoala Ranch tour. This tour was filled with amazing views and landscapes! It showcased the natural beauty of the island's oceans, animals, mountains, and plants. The scenery was similar to that of a Microsoft windows wallpaper. There was a total of three tours that took us around three different areas on the ranch which is home to over 4,000 acres of land. The three tours were around Hollywood movie sites, the Kuoala Ranch Farm, and a jungle expedition .

The first of these tours was the tour around the Hollywood movie sites. On this tour first we got to see WW2 era bunkers. Then we walked through a gigantic bunker carved in the side of a mountain and came out on the other side. Inside the bunker were various WW2 artifacts followed by famous movie props. Next, we toured the famous valleys where the movies were shot and it was Amazing! I would definitely recommend this part of the tour! To be able to see where movies like 50 First Dates, Jurassic Park, Kung Skull Island, Mighty Joe Young, Jumanji, Triple Frontier, and many more were shot is incredible. It was also interesting to find out that these movies were shot in Hawaii and not the countries I had previously thought they were filmed in.

The second tour we went on was to the Kuoala Ranch Farm. We traveled through the farm and were absolutely blown away by the marvelous scenery. Here is where we were able to see where the magic happens and how many of the people on the island get their fruits and fish. We learned that here is where they grow pineapples, coconuts, mangoes, papayas, cocoa, fish, and much more. While here we also tasted samples of fresh produce and meats grown on the farm. We sampled four products: pineapples, a sort of paste created from the roots of a native plant, macadamia nuts, and fish jerky. Yes, fish jerky! Very similar to beef jerky but made with fish instead. All four of them were exceptional and the fruit in Hawaii tastes 10 times better!

The third and final tour of ours concluded with the jungle expedition. Out of the three tours I would have to say this one is by far my favorite, it was the most exciting and adventurous. Our tour guide drove us to the top of a mountain on the ranch and along the way there is where the fun began. From the different bumps, dips, and curves in the roads to the fast speeds at which we travelled everyone was woken up and blood rushing. Our adrenaline was through the roof and we were all left wondering what's next? This was the perfect way to end the day. Once we reached the top of the mountain we had a birds eye view of the valley down below and the ocean. Our tour guide then told us about a walking trail that would take us even higher. We walked the trail and by the time we got to the top it was absolutely breathtaking! We were overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. Here we were able to see not one but TWO valleys and ocean fronts. One riddled with trees and the other riddled with patches of vibrant green grass that peeks out through the trees and huts that you could see off in the distance. The ocean was the cherry on top with its various colors of blue that blended so well. For me this was the highlight of the trip. If I could recommend one thing to everyone that visited Hawaii this would be my one thing!

Sydney from NC fighting Stage 2 Large B-Cell Hodgkins Lymphoma

Hawaii


After being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2020, I was very eager to get on with my life and close the door to that chapter, so celebrating my remission was not something I prioritized. That sounds crazy to say, but I felt like my life was on stand still for 2 years and I could not wait to start what was next for me. After a few months of this feeling, it hit me that I did not give myself the time to grieve my journey or celebrate all that myself and my family endured. I wished to go to Maui and this trip was one that my family and I will cherish forever. From the excursions, to the food, and the chrystal blue water.. this trip was nothing short of incredible. Thank you Nik's Wish & my wish maker Tammy, for making my wish come true and allowing us to create lifelong memories. My family and I are truly so grateful!

Tate from AL fighting B Cell Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Chicago Cubs


We are back in Bama. Missing the big city. Had an AMAZING trip. Thank you just does not seem sufficient. So very generous and we will cherish these memories forever.

Anna from AL fighting Brain Cancer

Hawaii


My Nik's wish trip to Hawaii was awesome! I went with my mom and my sister. They had an amazing time, and it was a wish come true for all of us! Some of my favorite moments were going to Maui's butterfly farm and going fishing on a yacht for my birthday! I also had a great time at a luau! The butterfly farm was beautiful! And for my birthday I went on a yacht, we fished and cruised around the islands! It was a once in a lifetime experience for me. It's something I'll never forget! Like I said it was definitely a dream come true and made me feel better in my fight with brain cancer!

Melissa from ME, Ewings Sarcoma

Skydiving in Hawaii


After a year of battling cancer and losing my mom to the same illness only weeks after I was diagnosed, myself and my family were drained on all fronts. We'd forgotten what life was like before and without cancer. This trip to Hawaii gave us the chance to reconnect with ourselves and each other, to remember what it feels like to live without illness, and to realize that despite the trauma cancer had caused, we owe so much to the experience because a great deal was gained from this battle. We learned how strong we really are and how fragile life can be which is why it is so important to live every day to the fullest. That's why we wished to have the adventure of a lifetime in Hawaii. Moreover, that's why I wished to skydive in one of the most beautiful places on earth because as my skydiving instructor perfectly said, it was my final "screw you, I won" to cancer.

Max from FL, Acute Lymponhoblastic Leukemia

Golfing in Hawaii


Max was having muscle soreness and breathing issues. The symptoms worsened and he was diagnosed. He had to take a medical leave from the Univ. of Central Florida, where he was studying to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Max loves golf. Due to treatment, he had to miss going to the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Even though Max has been strong and upbeat during this whole process, we could see that he was upset that he was going to have to miss out . We currently live in Orlando, FL, but Max was born in Rockford, IL. His mom and I were raised down the road in Rochelle, IL. (Max's dad)