Wishes In Waiting

Lymphoma

Sam was a healthy young man when he was suddenly diagnosed with cancer in January of 2021. He had a very scary & difficulty first round of chemo where he was in the intensive care unit. He's been adjusting to the new diagnosis but it's been extra challenging due to covid.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia

My life before cancer was difficult, but cancer has made it almost...I say almost impossible. Never in my life did I ever think I would ever get cancer. So many emotions came over me in this moment. Fear, Nauseousness, Anger, Depression, and fear again were flowing through my thoughts.
I had moved to Missouri to officially begin my life with Christina. Everything was starting to fall into place. About a month later, life took an unexpected turn. I found out I was going to be a father! This was the most excited that I had been about anything! A few weeks later we found out that we weren't just having one baby but twins! Double the blessing! So now, not only do I have a fiancée, we are going to have twins. I thought my life was finally getting to the perfect place.
I started having health concerns, but said nothing to no one. I was having trouble breathing, constantly being cold, having chest pains, extremely tired and extremely pale. My son Chance and my daughter Scarlett were born. My heart was now full of life and love for my new family. The twins were born at 32 weeks, so they were very premature. I finally went to Urgent Care. The doctor drew my blood to see if that had anything to do with my symptoms. Later that evening, I got a call from the doctor telling me that my blood counts were dangerously low and that I needed to go to the emergency room immediately. Then a few days later it became clear, I had Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Medullablastoma

I was ripped away from my college friends & boyfriend when I was diagnosed with brain cancer. Now I feel lonely all the time. No one really can understand what I'm going through. Being immuno-compromised has left me terrified of getting Coronavirus. I had to teach myself to read, write, walk, type, and speak again. I can no longer drive, which takes away any illusion of independence you have left. I'm miserable and lonely and it feels so foreign and I have no clue what to do.

Ewing's Sarcoma

Prior to being diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, I was a receptionist for State Farm. I was taking classes in college and I was at the beach every weekend. Now, it is constant hospital and doctor visits, as well as, a lot of treatments.
What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
I would LOVE to go to Hawaii! It has always been a dream of mine. I love the beach and haven't been able to go to the beach due to my condition and Hawaii has beautiful beaches that I'd love the opportunity to enjoy.

Carcinoma Ex-pleomorphic Adenoma

Just before I was diagnosed I was just starting my second year of college and working part time. The student health nurse actually pushed me to get checked. After my resection, radiation and chemo I thought I'd be able to get back to school. Except the tumor was found growing again at the base of my skull next to my carotid artery. Now after my second round of chemo and radiation I'm hoping to just get some energy back.
What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
Trip to Hawaii to climb a volcano.

Ewings Sarcoma

Triston had been attending Central Washington University, majoring in computer science. He had completed his AA degree in high school, via the running start program. Triston has always been a very motivated and focused kid and when he got diagnosed our whole world fell apart. We don't have anyone in our family with cancer and it really felt like it came out of nowhere, his leg broke while on a run at college and he fell. They did an MRI which is where they found the cancer Although this has dramatically affected our family, we have felt God's presence in our lives and are so thankful for all the many blessing of strength, and comfort and just God's overall love for us during this. What we would love for our family is a family vacation somewhere. We have 4 kids, and that isn't something that we could really afford on our own. Triston I think was thinking Disneyland would be fun.

Ewings Sarcoma Relapse

Josh's back started hurting again and we found that the Ewings returned to his thoracic spine. More surgery, a new chemo protocol and another 6 week stay out in Philadelphia for radiation. We are currently in round 7 of a proposed 14 round protocol this time around. We wanted to reach out to apply for a wish for Josh so that we all had something positive to look forward to. Josh has expressed a desire to visit New York to visit some historical sites. He is a big history buff. He found a speakeasy in New York that existed during prohibition called The Back Room. He talks about it frequently, how interesting it would be and what a unique experience it would be to visit. He also has expressed an interest in seeing the play Hamilton. Our request would be that we could have your help in putting something like this together so that we as a family have a positive experience to look forward to and plan for.

Colon Cancer

Vanessa was just recently diagnosed with colon cancer; she has a genetic condition (familial adenomatous polyposis) and also had medullablastoma 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. Her mother has quit her job to be caregiver. This diagnosis has been devastating to Vanessa and her whole family; it would be wonderful for them to be able to share something fun together.

Hodgkins Lymphoma

I was diagnosed for the 2nd time and this time 3rd stage. I want to just get away with my family.

Neuroblastoma

Donalen is a 21 year old newly diagnosed with high risk neuroblastoma. She resides in Alaska with her parents and 2 sisters. They have all had to immediately move here as she receives treatment, and dad is still going back and forth in order to work. They are a very close knit family and draw on each other for support as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. Donalen isn't eligible for a Make a Wish since she was diagnosed at the age of 21. We are hoping you may be able to assist with a wish once she is feeling better and after treatment.

Osteosarcoma

The year had already been filled with challenges for my family. I was in a car accident in January. My grandfather got sick isn't he beginning of Feb and my mom had to go to Boston to be with him. He died a week later. During this time, we lost our home and had to move to an apartment on the 3rd floor. I started chemo and had my leg amputated in June. We finally moved from the apartment to a house. My mom can't work extra hours because she is with me at the hospital a lot and she struggles with day to day bills. I would love to go to the beach or an Alaskan Cruise. I want to get away from the day to day thoughts and doctors appointments. If we could get help with this, it would be an amazing gift!

Relapsed Ewings Sarcoma

I was 18 yrs. old and had been in college for 1 month when I was diagnosed with my first round of Ewings Sarcoma. I was in treatment with chemo for 10 months with radiation to my right leg for 6 weeks. I was declared in remission and was able to return to college and complete 3 semesters before the Ewings Sarcoma returned in my right leg. My oncologist team determined that for this round I would need to have approximately 6 rounds of chemo and an amputation performed below the knee of my right leg to best increase my chances. I am however hoping that my family and I can take a respite vacation from all of this in Lake Tahoe and spend some quality time together where we are not focused on my needs, health, and dr. appointments. I would love to be able to give them something. Thank you so much for considering this request.

Osteosarcoma

My life took a drastic turn when I was diagnosed. It seemed that in a short span of time my life changed. The reality was that I was diagnosed with AML type Leukemia. Adjusting to life with a central line in my chest was not ideal at first. Just imagine having a wire hanging out of your chest and having to take extra precaution to not tear it out by mistake. Before starting treatment I had long hair that nearly reached my shoulders, and a neck-beard that I was very proud of. Now I'm just bald everywhere. When hanging out with friends or family, I felt as if nothing changed. My nephew for the first few months was afraid to even touch me because of all the precautions his parents gave him about my immune system.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Emily was finishing her freshman year at Southern Illinois University, studying dental hygiene and running cross country and track. She started feeling very tired and achy and went to the health center on campus. She was sent to St. Louis to Barnes Jewish Hospital where she received her first stem cell transplant. After 8 months there she went home to Indianapolis, under the care of Riley Children's where she then relapsed. She had her second stem cell transplant after many failed attempts at other methods. She then relapsed and traveled to Seattle to receive Car T therapy. Currently, she is in remission and trying to gain her strength back. She is currently enrolled in a Health Science program with IUPUI where she is taking classes online. She would enjoy going somewhere that has a lot of sights to see but not requiring a lot of effort to see them.

Stage 4 Hodgkins lymphoma

I was a normal teenager working hard as a welder on the Great Lakes ships. I love spending time with my dogs, my family, and I am an avid hunter and fisher. My journey with cancer started with back pain that would not go away. I had tumors in my spine, cervical lymph nodes, my sternum, and in my spleen. Since my diagnosis, I don't take anything for granted. I realize we can be here today, gone tomorrow, or have our lives changed at any moment. I try harder to eat right, praise Jesus, and enjoy the little things because before, I wasn't starring death in the face or afraid for my life. After being in that situation, it changes you

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

I was 19 yrs old and about to live my dream to attend the Univ. of AL. The day prior to moving from MN to AL, I began to experience extreme back pain. I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). I feel I have lost everything that I have worked so very hard for. Social media has been a double-edged sword. It allows me to connect with my friends back in MN, but I also see the fun they are experiencing at college. I feel trapped, away from my support system, and isolated inside. My mother and father see this loss and try to keep my eyes forward.

ACUTE T Cell Leukemia ALL

I was diagnosed with acute t cell leukemia. I went to the doctor because I thought that I had a cold. But through their tests and scans, I found out I was actually sicker than I thought. A wish provided through this foundation would greatly benefit me and my family by helping me to look beyond my means and beyond my world of needles and getting blood. I feel that it would help me to know that other places exist and thrive.

Progressive Astrocytomas

During my freshman year of college, I was diagnosed with brain tumors. Due to the location, surgery was not an option. I tried several different chemos, but the tumors were progressively growing and causing paralysis on my right side as well as speech impairment. I resorted to an experimental drug trial. It has been challenging but I am grateful that I have such a loving and supportive family. My wish is to take a vacation to Hawaii with my family and enjoy some stress-free, quality time.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

I was a computer engineering student at Purdue University. I was playing all sports at the time such as basketball, baseball, soccer, and volleyball. After the diagnosis of Myeloid Leukemia, I suffered mentally and physically. Reading was completely taken away from me. Until this day my reading is still only a percentage normal reading speed. Engineering classes were way too difficult. Almost all of my muscle was stripped from me. I know that this trip would allow my family a chance to celebrate all I have overcome throughout my cancer and transplant journey.

Colon Cancer

My daughter was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. since then it has been an ongoing fight. She's had two major surgeries, several small procedures, multiple hospital stays and 50+ emergency visits. It has been a devastating and painful ride and I just want her to experience some joy.

T-ALL

Alex was diagnosed with T-Cell ALL, at the start of his sophomore year of college at UAB. In a few short days, he went from a college student to a cancer patient at Children's Hospital of Alabama. At the end of his frontline treatment protocol, he developed a systemic fungal infection that led to multiple ICU stays on a ventilator, acute kidney injury, over 100 transfusions for a pulmonary hemorrhage, and moments when he was not expected to survive. He has been through so very much and deserves a trip to celebrate his triumph over leukemia.

Osteosarcoma

I graduated from East Aurora High School where I ran track & cross country since middle school. I started to train for cross country season in college. I noticed a little ball in my left hamstring which was growing. I found out it was a tumor in my left leg, Ewings Sarcoma. From that day on my whole life changed including family and friends around me. I immediately started chemotherapy and had to leave school and running until this nightmare was over. However, I have stayed really positive and strong despite all the tough days that would push me to my limits

Spindle Cell Sarcoma

Elijah is very close to his mom, Erma. She has been ill recently and has been in and out of the hospital. Elijah's mom, Erma, is currently in a skilled nursing home receiving therapy to become stronger. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Elijah has not been able to visit his mom in person at the nursing home.
Elijah is now living on his own with limited support. He has been extremely resilient throughout this cancer journey, but a getaway would aid in a necessary mental and emotional re-set.
What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
Elijah is wanting to attend a sporting event or would like to travel somewhere.

Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma

My life before was pretty normal as I went by my every day life going to work part time at Amazon and doing school work all online. I enjoyed playing basketball with friends and hanging out with each other.
After being diagnosed basically everything was put on hold for the most part. Of course I had to take off from work for a while because of my diagnosis. Hopefully I can go back to living my normal life soon and take a break in the summer as I think it is much needed.
What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
I'm thinking of going to see Michael Jordan in person if at all possible. Maybe get him to sign my shoes and a basketball. It would be really cool if we got to play basketball together as well. Also it would be awesome if I got to get a picture with him.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

I was the school goalkeeper. I was active and happy. I graduated high school and started a new job on the same day. I started to love everything about myself and go out more. I started socializing and made new friends. I was planning to go to South Suburban College and keep playing soccer. When I was diagnosed I was heartbroken. I was sad and I wish I didn't have to put my family and friends through this. I am in post treatment after my bone marrow transplant. It's hard to find things to do and things to keep me entertained. Right now I'm going through a bit of depression and I'm looking for things to do to make me happy. It's especially hard to get better when there's a pandemic, but I'm trying my hardest and will continue to push through so I can do what I love again: goalkeeping.
What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
I want gifts for my family.

Stage 2B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Before I got sick I was very happy and social and full of life until I started feeling very exhausted and fatigued which led to finding a mass in my chest. I kept a positive outlook through treatment and had tons of support online. Unfortunately due to COVID I was locked down and unable to see anyone besides my immediate family. Since ending chemo, I feel stronger every day but I’m having a really hard time mentally trying to find ways to keep me happy. Family and friends have been my number one motivator since the healing process has started and I feel better every day.
What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
There is a music festival in Chicago this summer called Lollapalooza. My friends and I have been talking about going for years, but I was determined to go for my 21st birthday. Although there have been some obstacles, I really still want to go. If Nik’s wish could get me a ticket I would be endlessly grateful and I’d also finally get to meet my best friend who lives in Chicago. We met about 6 months ago right before I was diagnosed and until then, I had no idea she was a brain cancer survivor. Since then we have built such a strong bond and connection and I would really love to have such a great experience with someone so close to my heart.