Wishes In Waiting

fighting MPSNT

WISH: I would like to go to anime NYC, it's an anime con and I'll have the chance to meet some of my online friends if I go to this con.

I was working part-time and I would also spend most of my time at the house playing video games or watching anime or YouTube before the diagnosis. After that, I made a lot of friends and had fun getting to talk with them and I've tried a lot of new things because of them.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

WISH: A trip to visit Maui, Hawaii

Before my diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, my life was full and meaningful. I was in my senior year of college studying pre-med, passionate about my future in medicine. I enjoyed going out, attending community events at the Gurudwara (temple), dressing up for occasions, working out, and experimenting with new recipes.

In the year leading up to my diagnosis, I began feeling unusually tired and struggled to find joy in activities I once loved. Despite frequent visits to my doctor and dermatologist for persistent skin issues, my concerns were dismissed as psychological. It wasn't until I experienced severe difficulty breathing and began coughing up blood that I was taken seriously. A pulmonologist ordered CT scans and a lung biopsy, which revealed stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The tumor had affected over half my right lung and was spreading to my spleen.

Receiving the diagnosis was devastating. With no family history of cancer, I felt lost and overwhelmed. I initially tried to keep the news from my family, but when the oncologist's office called me in, I knew I had to tell them. Their reactions were heartbreaking-my mom cried, my dad was in shock, and my sister tried to comfort me. It was hard knowing that I was the cause of their pain.

Treatment began quickly, giving me little time to process the situation. Chemotherapy was brutal. Having never been seriously ill before, I struggled with the intense side effects. The constant pain made me cry often, and I frequently ended up in the hospital due to severe dehydration, requiring IV fluids. I lost my ability to walk properly, endured immense pain for seven months, and lost all my hair shortly before my 22nd birthday. On top of this, I was put on heart medication and contracted COVID just before my final cycle of treatment. Those months felt like an eternity, and I counted down the days until it was over.

Despite the darkness, my family's support gave me strength. My sister accompanied me to every chemo session, drove me to appointments, and encouraged me to keep going. My mom ensured I had fresh, healthy meals and comforted me with massages to ease my pain. Their unwavering love kept me going, and I am forever grateful.

After completing chemotherapy, I focused on reclaiming my life. Just 20 days post-treatment, I graduated from college and celebrated with my family. A month later, I attended a concert, helped plan my cousin's engagement, and rediscovered my passion for helping others. I started taking neighborhood walks to rebuild my strength. Though I still struggle with balance and mobility, I'm grateful to have the energy to participate in life again. This journey has deepened my faith and taught me to cherish every moment.

I want to visit Maui, Hawaii, as a special gift to my family, especially my sister. She has always dreamed of visiting Hawaii, inspired by her love for Moana. Throughout my treatment, she was my rock, giving me unconditional support. This trip would be a meaningful way to thank her and create beautiful memories with my family in a place we've always wanted to see.

fighting Leukemia

WISH: A trip to Oregon

I was a sophomore at App State, I lived in a small college apartment with my 3 best friends and a cat. I am an EMT for Caldwell County up in the mountains. I lived a pretty normal college life, had a great group of friends, and was doing well in school.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
I want to go on a trip to Oregon with my family, we went there on a family trip when I was about 12/13 and I loved every second of it. However, I had a broken arm at the time so I had to miss out on some of the activities we were doing.

Fighting Germinoma

WISH: DisneyWorld Orlando

Before my diagnosis, I had just graduated High school, and a few weeks later I married the love of my life. I was working full-time building and designing luxury Chicken Coops while I and my wife were busy setting up our new home in the rural mountains of Tennessee. In between work, I would personally work on building an addition to my home for added comfort. Every Sunday I would work the sound booth for my local church.

After the diagnosis, everything went very fast and changed almost immediately. We were required to relocate almost 7 hours away during treatments. My wife, my little sister, and my loving parents (who graciously left their lives to be here with me as well) are now staying in a small 2-bedroom apartment provided by St. Jude. It is cramped, but we are trying to make the best of the entire situation. It's been very hard to walk away from the life I was working so hard to build up.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
A trip to DisneyWorld Orlando for me and my family. Me, my parents, and grandparents went 13 years ago together before my little sister was born. I would love to experience the magnificent fun and magic that DisneyWorld has to offer once again with my sister (8 years old) and wife as well.

Fighting Ependymoma Brain and Spine

WISH: Hawaii

Between 2007 and 2013, Josiah experienced severe headaches, pain behind his eyes, and vomiting during multiple ER visits, but no one suggested a head scan because he appeared healthy on the outside.

In January 2016, 13-year-old Josiah began experiencing debilitating headaches and was taken to the ER at Kapiolani Medical Center. After 11 hours, a scan revealed a large tumor on his cerebellum, wrapped around his brain stem. The tumor caused dangerous fluid buildup that required immediate surgery. Five days later, doctors confirmed it was Ependymoma, a rare, recurring brain cancer. The initial treatment plan included radiation and chemotherapy, but after researching alternatives, Josiah's family relocated to Houston for specialized treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

In March 2016, Josiah underwent Photon Radiation therapy and started recovering. By 2018, he was back in the boxing gym and doing well, but a new lesion appeared in the same area of his brain. He had another brain surgery followed by additional radiation therapy. Despite this, he graduated high school in 2021 and enrolled in Lone Star College's Biology program, excited for the future.

In February 2022, Josiah experienced severe back pain. Scans revealed a tumor on his spine, leading to emergency surgery. Pathology confirmed it was Ependymoma. A new brain lesion near the left frontal lobe was also discovered, and Josiah underwent Gamma Knife surgery. By June 2022, his treatment plan included daily oral chemotherapy and weekly intravenous chemo.

Josiah later participated in Immunotherapy Clinical Trials in Los Angeles and continued battling recurrences. In March 2024, he had surgery on his thoracic spine to remove another tumor. In April 2024, he underwent brain surgery to address a tumor near the brainstem. He continued CAR T-cell therapy in June 2024 at City of Hope and resumed treatment at MD Anderson in August 2024.

Despite memory loss, physical rehabilitation, and the side effects of extensive treatments, Josiah remains positive and deeply rooted in his faith. He is actively involved in his care, mindful of his diet, and dedicated to his family, especially his younger sisters. His perseverance and love for his family drive him to fight harder every day.

Josiah's wish is to return to Hawaii for a dream getaway at Turtle Bay Resort, a place he and his family have always wanted to experience. This trip would allow him to reconnect with family, create cherished memories, and enjoy the beauty of home in a meaningful way.

Fighting Hodgkins Lymphoma

WISH: Hawaii

At 19, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma while working as a children's gymnastics instructor and preschool teacher. After six grueling months of chemotherapy, I achieved a six-month remission and resumed my work with children. However, following a tough relapse in June 2024, I had to pause my career again to undergo a stem cell journey. Once my battle is behind me, I plan to continue changing young lives and pursue my education in marine biology with a minor in education.

If granted a wish, I would want to travel with my family to Hawaii. My passion for working with children stems from my admiration for SpongeBob SquarePants and its creator, Stephen Hillenburg. His ability to educate audiences about marine life while making them laugh inspired my love for the ocean and my dedication to bringing joy to children. His work made my fight against cancer easier to endure and gave me strength to persevere.

Fighting ALL

WISH: Get a signed hat from Lionel Messi

I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in mechanical engineering. However, my recent cancer diagnosis has put my career on hold. I underwent a bone marrow transplant about 100 days ago, which has limited my ability to enjoy activities I once loved, like cross country. Financially, my family has faced significant challenges due to the cost of my treatment and the need for round-the-clock care.

Music and TV shows have been a source of comfort during long hospital stays. Two people who have inspired and entertained me through this difficult time are Jenna Ortega, my favorite actress, and Olivia Rodrigo, my favorite singer. It would mean the world to meet one of these incredible women who have motivated me and brought me joy.

Alternatively, as a soccer fan, I would cherish receiving a signed hat from Lionel Messi, who plays in Miami. While I know this might be a long shot, even being placed on a waiting list for this would make me incredibly happy.

Fighting Hodgkin's lymphoma

WISH: Taylor Swift Concert

I was a relatively healthy young adult when I was diagnosed shortly after my 21st birthday. I had just started building my career as a full-time hairstylist and felt I was starting adulthood on a great note. When I received my diagnosis, I was shocked. I was at a different hospital at the time, and the oncologist didn't tell me to bring anyone for support, so I found out alone. Breaking the news to my friends and family was incredibly devastating.

Life since the diagnosis has been tough-keeping up with friends and not being able to work much has been hard. However, I'm fortunate to have an amazing support system, including my boss, a breast cancer survivor, who has been incredibly understanding and supportive through this journey.

I would love to see Taylor Swift during one of her Indianapolis concert dates. By then, I hope to be done with treatment and able to be in crowds again! Taylor's music has been a constant source of comfort throughout my treatment plan, and her concerts align perfectly with my 22nd birthday, making it the perfect way to celebrate.

Fighting Neuroblastoma

WISH: Masters professional golf tournament

I grew up in the small town of Columbus, Wisconsin, with my father, mother, and sister. I've always had a big, loving family who lives close by. I enjoy playing golf, watching sports, spending time outdoors, and playing board and video games. After graduating high school, I attended Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin, to study business. During college, I played competitive golf for Edgewood's men's golf team and made close friendships, including with my girlfriend, Maddie.

In May 2023, I graduated with a bachelor's degree in business management and started working as an assistant golf professional at Bishops Bay Country Club in Middleton, Wisconsin. It was a dream job for me, combining my degree and passion for golf. However, my first season ended early when I was diagnosed with cancer in September 2023.

After noticing a lump on my outer chest, I had it checked out. A biopsy revealed neuroblastoma cells. Further scans showed stage 4 metastatic neuroblastoma in nine areas of my body. The news was shocking and scary, but I was determined to fight. As the news spread, I received overwhelming support from loved ones.

Being a rare case at 23 years old-since neuroblastoma is usually found in children under five-I was treated at the American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. My treatment included five rounds of chemotherapy, which caused constant nausea and drained my energy. This was followed by surgery to remove tumors in my chest and armpit, a stem cell transplant, radiation for the remaining tumor, and five rounds of immunotherapy.

In October 2024, I rang the bell to celebrate the completion of my inpatient treatment. I'm incredibly grateful for the amazing care team and the support of my friends and family throughout this journey. I'm now back to golfing, working, and spending time with loved ones as I await scans in December to confirm if I am cancer-free.

My Nik's wish is to attend the Masters professional golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, with my family and girlfriend. The Masters is the most prestigious professional golf event in the world, held at Augusta National, a course that looks stunning on TV. Seeing this beautiful course, watching the best golfers compete, and witnessing the tournament in person would be an unforgettable experience. With my passion for golf, it would be the perfect way to celebrate the completion of my cancer fight.

Fighting Medulloblastoma

WISH: Camper

In March 2021, at 18 years old, I unexpectedly had three seizures in one afternoon and was rushed to the ER. Doctors discovered I had a brain tumor-but not just one. There were 11 tumors on my brain and spine. Two days later, I underwent brain surgery to remove the largest tumor. I spent two weeks in the ICU followed by another two weeks in the hospital's CCU. After 32 days, I was transferred to a specialty hospital where I continued treatment for the next 18 months.

During that time, my family relocated to be near the hospital. We finally returned home in September 2022. However, we continued traveling back for checkups due to worsening seizures. In March 2024, a new spot was found, and after further checks in May, it was confirmed that the cancer had relapsed. I am currently back at the specialty hospital undergoing long-term treatment for this relapse.

I've always loved camping and fishing with my family before my diagnosis, and I've dreamed of having a camper to take on trips since I was a little boy.

Fighting Hodgkin lymphoma

WISH: A Nice Vacation

Before my diagnosis, I was like any other young adult-attending college, going to class, and socializing. But after my diagnosis, everything changed. I had to leave school for treatment and move away from my family and friends.

The wish I'm thinking about is a vacation to Hawaii. It would be a much-needed getaway and something to look forward to once I've completed my chemotherapy.