Wishes In Waiting

Fighting Medulloblastoma

I am currently battling cancer and have been going through treatment that has affected me physically, emotionally, and mentally.

While I continue to fight this disease, I have realized how important it is to have something meaningful to look forward to. Unfortunately, I am older than the age limit for Make-A-Wish, but I am reaching out in hopes that your foundation might consider helping me fulfill a dream trip.

One of the things I have always wanted to do is travel to California. I would love the opportunity to visit Santa Monica, see the Pacific Ocean, and experience the beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge in person. These places have been on my bucket list for years, and being able to see them would give me memories and hope during one of the most difficult periods of my life.

I am also a college basketball player, and basketball has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Being diagnosed with cancer has taken me away from the game I love. Not being able to practice, compete, and be with my teammates the way I normally would has been one of the hardest parts of this journey. Basketball has always been my outlet, and losing that has affected me mentally more than I ever expected.

Cancer has taken a lot from me. Beyond the physical challenges, it has been extremely hard on my mental health. Some days are much more difficult than others, and having a trip like this to look forward to would provide joy, motivation, and a chance to create positive memories outside of hospitals, treatments, and appointments. It would give me something to focus on beyond cancer and remind me that there is still so much life to experience.

I am not asking for luxury-just the opportunity to experience something I have dreamed about for a long time. Any assistance or consideration would mean more to me than I can adequately express.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and consider my request.

WISH: NBA or WNBA game in person

Fighting DSRCT Sarcoma

I was a normal kid, growing up with my younger brother in a small town in Missouri. I played baseball, soccer, and I played multiple instruments in a band. I graduated from high school in December 2020, in the midst of COVID. I actually didn't attend my graduation ceremony because I was working at 911 dispatch that night. In the next few years, I moved out, lived with roommates, lived on my own, and started my adult life. I worked full-time as a 911 dispatcher, deputy coroner, and volunteer firefighter from 2020 to 2023. I completed EMT class and was doing things I loved doing. Before diagnosis, I spent my free time with friends and family, working on computer tech things. watching UFC, gaming, playing Dungeons and Dragons and I used to be pretty introverted, staying in my comfort zone. Life post cancer has been SO different, the social anxiety is gone, and I love the idea of meeting people, sharing my story, and traveling to help others and experiencing different walks of life! Now I am back to working as a 911 supervisor, a post-diagnosis promotion, I have found a new passion in boxing and MMA, and started coaching and training with my brother in his amateur boxing team.

WISH: UFC META APEX

Fighting Lymphoma

After my diagnosis, my mental health was destroyed. I quit the job I had because of the pain I was in. I wanted desperately to do school, or truly anything that would drive me, but I was in no position to do so. I felt stuck and stagnant for a long time.

WISH: A fun vacation with my siblings, because as much as I need a vacation, I know they do too and it would mean so much to me.

Fighting Medulloblastoma

Before I got diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, my life felt normal. I could walk everywhere on my own, use both hands, and do things without thinking about them. I had my routines, my hobbies, my style, my independence. I didn't have to plan my day around appointments or energy levels. I didn't have to think about my body not cooperating with me. I just... lived. I got to be myself without limits.

After the diagnosis, everything changed fast. Now I use a wheelchair. The whole left side of my body doesn't work the way it used to, and I'm relearning how to move it. My left hand shakes and doesn't listen to me, so things that used to be easy - drawing, gaming, holding stuff - take a lot of effort. I get tired quickly. I need help with things I never needed help with before.

My days revolve around treatment, recovery, and trying to get stronger. It's frustrating, and sometimes it feels like my life got split into "before" and "after." But I'm still me. I still have the same interests, the same personality, the same sense of humor. I'm just fighting through something huge right now.

A wish would give me something to look forward to - something that feels like me, not just my diagnosis.

WISH: Smithsonian Zoo

Fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Before I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, my life was busy in the best way. I was working as a special education teacher about to finish my first graduate degree. My students kept me smiling, thinking, and actually teaching me so much, that I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I dreamed of becoming a school psychologist and researcher, and whenever I wasn't teaching or studying, I was usually busy being the fun aunt to my nieces and nephews.

Then life decided to rewrite my plans.

After my diagnosis, I had to stop teaching and put school on hold while I went through grueling chemotherapy. Although I was grateful to beat cancer, treatment led to severe, chronic gastrointestinal complications that continue to affect my life every day. I now rely on TPN and feeding tubes for nutrition and spend more time in hospitals than I ever thought I would. My planner used to be filled with lesson plans and college classes. Now it's a careful balancing act between medical appointments and hospital stays, yet somehow still finding room to keep moving forward.

One thing, though, has never changed-my dreams.

After completing chemotherapy, I started over at a new university and was accepted into a Phd. School Psychology program, something I am incredibly proud of. Today, I'm studying toward becoming a school psychologist and conducting research focused on children and young adults with cancer and other serious medical conditions. My goal is to help them with the academic, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, social, and developmental challenges that illness can bring, so they can continue to find hope, purpose, and confidence, even through life's hardest seasons.

Cancer changed my body, but it never changed my determination. If anything, it gave my dreams an even greater purpose. I don't take ordinary moments for granted anymore. Waking up each morning feels like a gift. I've learned that progress doesn't always look the way you expect-sometimes it's finishing a research paper or feeling well enough to shop at the mall, and sometimes it's simply making it through a difficult day. All are victories worth celebrating.

Cancer may have rewritten my story, but it didn't get to write the ending. I believe the best chapters are still ahead of me, and I'm determined to write them with hope, courage, gratitude, and a heart that refuses to give up.

WISH: A vacation would give me something I've been missing for a long time-the chance to simply spend time together with my family.

Fighting Lymphoma

At 22 years old, I found out my Hodgkin lymphoma had returned.

Since then, my life has changed all over again. I have gone through chemotherapy and immunotherapy, procedures, appointments, hospital visits, and stem cell collection as I prepare for an autologous stem cell transplant. I had to put college on hold and step away from work. I turned 23 in June in the middle of fighting cancer for the second time.

It is hard watching other people my age live normal lives while mine revolves around treatment schedules, lab results, scans, and what comes next. I should be planning my next semester, working, spending time with friends, and figuring out my future. Instead, I am preparing to spend weeks in the hospital for a stem cell transplant.

Cancer has taken away a lot of normal moments, first as a teenager and now again as a young adult. More than anything, I want the chance to get back to my life-to return to college, finish my cybersecurity degree, work, travel, make memories, and enjoy being young without cancer deciding what comes next.

WISH: Steam Deck 1TB OLED

Fighting mixed germ cell tumor

Shane was already transitioning to adulthood and was looking forward to his next chapter in life. Spending time with his friends and his family. After a long run, Shane has just completed his last chemotherapy round and we are hoping to celebrate him and his accomplishments!

WISH: Chicagoland trip with his family

Fighting Gell cell tumor

Nicholas was working prior to diagnosis and enjoy his time playing video games and D&D. Sadly, he has been unable to work or engage in some social activities due to his diagnosis.

WISH: Undecided

Fighting Brain Cancer

Before diagnosis, I lived a normal college life. I lived on campus with my 4 roommates and dedicated my time to school and work. This past fall I went on a semester abroad to Barcelona Spain. I returned on December 21st, and on December 24th is when my nightmare began. I developed a migraine that eventually had me hospitalized in pain. After receiving a CT scan, a Brain mass was found. The appointments and scans that followed revealed that the tumor was cancerous and considered a Pinealblastoma of intermediate grade. My life since has been filled with multiple chemo cycles and weekly appointments. I have since completed a possible total resection brain surgery and am currently doing my radiation therapy at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The diagnosis has caused me to pause my studies for at least one full academic school year to focus on healing and treatment. I live at home with my family for the time being while I receive treatment while still maintaining my lease in the cities on campus.

WISH: Disney and Universal Studios

Fighting Ovarian Cancer

I was 21 when I got diagnosed in my senior year of college at Arizona State University. I have three sisters. It's just me and my mom and my little sister at home. I spent a lot of my time either hanging out with friends working or doing schoolwork. I used to make cards for kids with cancer for this program called CancerKidsFirst as a volunteer. I started that to build a resume in high school, but I never stopped after I graduated because I found it worth something. I was busy all the time and my favorite thing to do was nothing. After getting diagnosed and the cancer thing, I've been ironically stuck doing nothing this whole year. It's really hard to watch everyone who was in my class move on and graduate while I'm sitting at home. Technically, my treatment was supposed to end in May as the original plan; however, there was complication after complication and it delayed my treatment and now it's August and I just finished treatment. This wish would really help me feel better mentally, to counteract all that I've been through, a celebration of overcoming all of the surgeries and chemotherapy. I don't come from the fanciest background so I don't get to go on vacation with my entire family too often.

WISH: It's always been my dream to go to Universal Orlando so I would pick that as my wish

Fighting Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma

Before being diagnosed, I was a 22-year-old young woman simply living my life. I enjoyed spending time with my family and friends, listening to music, going to concerts and events, traveling, going out to eat, and cooking. Cooking is one of the things I really enjoy, especially making my homemade pastelitos for my family. I loved being able to make plans, go places, work, and enjoy the independence and freedom that comes with being a young adult.

Then, in July 2026, everything changed when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma.

Cancer was never something I imagined becoming part of my story, especially at 22 years old. Almost overnight, the life I knew was replaced with oncology appointments, hospital admissions, chemotherapy, procedures, medications, scans, bloodwork, and recovery days. My schedule is no longer based on what I want to do or where I want to go. So much of it depends on treatment, my energy level, my immune system, and simply how I am feeling that day.

Some days have been extremely difficult. Chemotherapy can leave me exhausted, nauseated, emotional, frustrated, and not feeling like myself. I have had to temporarily give up some of my independence and miss out on things that other people my age can do without even thinking about it. Losing my hair was another emotional part of this journey because it was such a visible reminder that my life had changed.

But I decided that cancer wasn't going to take everything from me. When it was time to shave my hair, I put on my lashes, embraced my bald head, and became the "Bald Headed Baddie." I am learning that I can have difficult days and still find something to smile about. I can cry and still have faith. I can be tired and still keep going.

My faith in God has been a huge part of getting me through this journey. There have been moments when I didn't understand why this was happening to me, but through every hospital stay, every treatment, every hard day, and every victory, God has continued to give me and my family the strength to keep moving forward. I truly believe it is only by the grace of God that we have made it this far.

Cancer has also taught me not to take the "normal" moments for granted. Now, waking up feeling good enough to cook, laughing with my mom, enjoying a good meal, spending time with the people I love, or simply having enough energy to do something I enjoy feels like a victory. Those ordinary moments mean so much more to me now.

My life after diagnosis looks very different, but cancer has not changed who I am. I still love music. I still love cooking. I still love traveling and experiencing new things. I still love spending time with my family and friends. I still have dreams and things I want to experience.

Most importantly, I still have faith.

I don't know everything this journey will bring, but I know God has carried me this far. I am taking it one treatment, one prayer, one good day, and one victory at a time. Cancer may be part of my story now, but I refuse to let it become my entire story.

WISH:

My number one Nik's Wish would be to attend Tyler, the Creator's Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival. Tyler is my favorite artist, and I have wanted to go to Camp Flog Gnaw for the past three or four years-long before cancer became part of my life.

Since being diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, so much of my life has changed. Instead of looking forward to concerts, trips, hanging out with family and friends, and being spontaneous, my calendar now revolves around chemotherapy, hospital stays, appointments, procedures, scans, and recovery days. Even going to a concert isn't as simple as buying a ticket anymore. I have to think about my treatment schedule, how I'm feeling, my energy level, my immune system, and whether it is safe for me to be around large crowds.

That is why going to Camp Flog Gnaw would mean so much more to me than just attending a music festival. It is something I dreamed about doing before I was diagnosed. Cancer may have interrupted my plans, but it hasn't taken away the things I love or the dreams I still have for my life.

Having Camp Flog Gnaw to look forward to would also give me something exciting that has absolutely nothing to do with cancer. For a little while, I wouldn't have to think about chemotherapy, medications, scans, or hospital rooms. I could get dressed up, listen to my favorite artist, take pictures, laugh, have fun, and simply enjoy being 22 years old.

My faith in God has helped carry me through this journey. There have been difficult days, but there have also been so many moments that have reminded me to appreciate joy whenever God gives it to me. I have learned that even while going through something incredibly hard, I can still have faith, hope, dreams, and things to look forward to.

If Camp Flog Gnaw isn't possible, my second wish would be a tropical getaway. I went to the Bahamas with my family a couple of years ago, and we had such an amazing time. I would love to experience that feeling again-the sunshine, beautiful water, relaxing, laughing, eating good food, and making memories with my family without cancer being the center of everything.

More than anything, I would love a wish that allows me to step away from being a cancer patient for a little while and just be Sierra again.

Cancer is part of my story now, but it isn't all of my story. By the grace of God, I'm still here, I'm still fighting, I'm still dreaming, and I believe there are still so many beautiful and fun experiences ahead of me.

Krista is a 24-year-old wife and mother of a 2-year-old and 8 months. She enjoys spending time with her loved ones and husband. When she is not with her family, she enjoys reading and watching tv. Krista has the dream of taking her kids on vacation, however due to her diagnosis, this dream has been put on hold. Krista would be appreciative of any support to help fund a trip to Disney World/Magic Kingdom.
WISH: Disney World/Magic Kingdom

Charlotte: Fighting Stage 4 Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin's lymphoma

Before getting diagnosed with cancer, I was an incredibly active person. I worked three different jobs including assisting a hairstylist, waiting tables, and coaching on a competitive ski racing team. Unfortunately I was in debilitating pain for three months before getting officially diagnosed and ended up having to leave all three jobs for a short period. I love to travel, spend time with family, snow ski, water ski, and spend time with my family on our boat. I've had to take a step back with many of those things due to fatigue from my treatment. One of the most difficult things for me has been the loss of my hair. I had very long thick hair before treatment and I've lost almost all of it. I used to be very outgoing but I have lost almost lot of my confidence and don't enjoy going out either friends and family as much as I used to which has been really difficult


What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?

For my Nik's wish, I would like a trip to Chicago Illinois to go to Wrigley Field and see and maybe even meet some of the Cubs players. Chicago is my favorite city I've ever been to, and I truly haven't felt like myself since getting diagnosed. I love the city, the people who live there, the food, the museums, and honestly everything about the city. I would really like the opportunity to watch the Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field. I am a huge fan of baseball and when I go watch a game, I can just pretend for a few hours that I don't have cancer and I'm a normal girl again. It has been a dream of mine for years to be able to meet the players of the Chicago Cubs and see what the facilities at the ballpark are like. I admire the players for their resilience and ability to push through injuries and personal problems to come together as a team and play great baseball. This trip would be a way for me to truly feel like Charlotte again and meet some of my biggest idols.

Miguel: Fighting Brain Cancer

In high school, during a test I believe, I read a small excerpt from the memoir 'Death Be Not Proud' written by John Gunther and answered a writing question. I have yet to read the full book, but for some strange reason the thought and fear of a brain tumor always stuck with me after. Only a few years later would this become dramatically ironic.


Before I was diagnosed, my daily life had become routine. My focus was on working with my father since I had been rejected from Berklee College of Music in Boston. My soul had been crushed.
There came an odd day where my headaches here and there became constant migraines morning until night. I had steeled myself as to never complain or show weakness after seeing my father work a labor job to support me and my younger brother while fighting pancreatic cancer. Despite the constant pain I would continue to persist until one Saturday the pain was just too unbearable, to the point of nausea. I had to leave work and seek a walk-in clinic.


Hearing the news at age 20, I experienced a despair so hollow I had no tears to shed. My stone-of-a-father, on the other hand, cried while holding me.

The surgery was a success. During recovery I sat, laid, and walked as much as I could to manage weight. My mind wandered to what the future would be like and if I would ever return to normal. Around just 3 months later I was back at work like nothing had happened and soon followed with radiation therapy. My schedule was: wake up, work, get treatment, go home. Though I began to lose hair, I didn't want to complain. How could I? After all, I was alive. My hair, which I enjoyed being long, had become a memory. A memory that if I think back on for too long, tightens my chest and makes my eyes well up.


After finishing treatment, new thoughts began to seep into my mind. What might have happened had I not survived? What will I do now?
While out with my father one day we bumped into an old acquaintance of his, a woman who was still mourning the recent death of her husband. His cause of death? A brain tumor located along the stem. A surgery that was unsuccessful. I had never been put in such a position. I vividly remember her telling me I was given a second chance I should cherish. Being the awkward gentleman I am, I couldn't meet her eyes as I nodded and agreed.
It was then a new feeling began to plague me, a sickness in itself. Guilt. Every day after that my mind kept running to the same questions.


What should I do with this second chance? What transcendental entity or law permitted me to stay on this Earth as opposed to anyone else?

I continued to navigate my life until I reached an epiphany that led to my decision to finally pursue education at Bradley University in Peoria. I am proud to say I am Bradley Bound and will be starting classes in August of this year!


What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
I would greatly appreciate funds that could be used towards music gear and other tech that could assist me during my time at college! I would love to have the opportunity to acquire more gear that will inspire me as I grab ahold of the red ribbon that is ambition.

Rachel: Fighting Clear Cell Carcinoma Tongue

Before my diagnosis, I was an exceptionally active person. I had just finished my first year of teaching High School and graduated from graduate school, receiving my masters degree in education. I spent 6 weeks abroad, as the head counselor on an all-girls travel program abroad, leading 150 high schoolers in touring and leadership training. During the summer I got sick frequently and lost my voice, but I assumed it was due to the fact that I was working very hard and singing, cheering and leading. I began with a new school year, and I continued to teach full time.
Mid-October is when everything changed. A sore throat turned into a biopsy which was first incorrectly diagnosed as benign. After an additional CT, second and third biopsy, MRI and PET, we received the second mistaken diagnosis: mucoepidermoid carcinoma. We were told surgery was the only option- a drastic surgery that would involve a total glossectomy and limited chance of speaking and eating normally again.


At the last minute, we decided to go for a second opinion. I received my fourth biopsy- this time the diagnosis was hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma. As this type of cancer is exceptionally rare, there is no textbook treatment plan. The team was willing to try whatever it takes to save my quality of life. After undergoing fertility preservation treatments, I began chemo in January. After 2 rounds of chemo and losing my hair, the scans did not show any improvement. Surgery was back on the table. While we are planning for an upcoming surgery, the team is still trying everything they can. As people of faith, we know that God can change these diagnoses at any time. We started a new chemo regimen which made me very sick. I was hospitalized for 5 days. After that, we tried immunotherapy. We are still trying and hoping while we wait for surgery in hopes that surgery is not so extensive. My amazing doctors are sensitive to my love for teaching (which I miss so much) and working with teens in many different capacities. We are hoping for a miracle in which my power of speech can be preserved. Since my treatment started in January, I have been home. I miss my job, I miss my friends, and I miss being able to spend time with my 5 nieces and 2 nephews in my immunocompromised state. As an active person, the boredom and limited energy is a huge challenge for me. My hope and prayer are to be healed from this cancer with a high quality of life. I want to get married and have kids and continue to impact teens through formal and informal education.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?

I would love to go to Disney World for a few days with my family. My life has been affected by this diagnosis, but since I moved back home, so have the lives of my parents and siblings, as they come to numerous appointments, make me meals, and serve as my nurses at my weakest points. My sisters take walks with me, make sure I am hydrated, and read to me when looking at a page makes me dizzy. They deserve a vacation. The beginning of my treatment coincided with the record-breaking cold temperatures in New Jersey- we all have been dreaming about the Florida sunshine since then and have not stopped. As a huge fan of Disney movies, we would love to have some nice memories from this year, not only memories of hospitals and doctors' offices.

Caleb: Fighting B-Cell Lymphoma

Prior to my diagnosis, I lived my life on a schedule. I liked to stay busy and be productive by working and going to school. My mind was always set on what's next? I was constantly thinking about the future and how I wanted to build my career in electrical engineering. I enjoyed being independent and always doing something, whether that be working, being active, or hanging out with friends and family. I thought life was normal and all I wanted to do was continue to move forward.

Everything I knew to be my life priorities changed overnight when I was diagnosed with lymphoma. All of a sudden, work and routine became my health, treatment, and how I could get through each day with enough energy. Not being able to work was such a weird feeling because I had to adapt my life to doctor's appointments, treatments, and how my body was going to feel each day. It was such a difficult transition knowing that at your age you are supposed to be moving toward independence, not away from it.

However, I have also come out of this experience with a better understanding of myself. I am stronger, more disciplined, and know what is important to me. I have learned how to work through hard days while still trying to keep up with school and thinking about my future. I also value my family and their support more than I used to.

These days I just continue with school as much as I can, stay strong during treatment, and find other ways to stay busy. I may not be able to do the things I used to, but that doesn't mean my goals have changed. If anything, I am more hungry to continue moving forward and make the most out of every opportunity that I can.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?

My top wish would be to take my family on a vacation and especially with everything that has been going on it would mean the world to get away from everything. Whether it be treatments, doctor appointments or even just daily life things we all deal with.

Ever since I was diagnosed, so much of my life and time at home has been consumed with talking about me and my health. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate everything my family does for me, but I know it can be difficult on them as well. Spending time with my family somewhere calm and relaxing where we can sit back and enjoy each other's company would be very special. We would be able to make more happy memories during this tough time and do something we have never been able to do before as a family.

Pessy: Fighting Hodgkins Lymphoma

Pessy is newly diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma and lives with her parents and 8 younger siblings. Pessy was very active in school and with friends in the community prior to her diagnosis. Now, she is in home instruction. Pessy is also receiving chemotherapy and comes weekly to clinic. Pessy is undergoing Cold Cap treatment to try and retain her hair and minimize loss.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?


Unsure

Mathew: Fighting Choriocarcinoma

Before cancer, my life felt pretty normal. I was a freshman in college, staying active all the time. I would run, play pickleball, go hiking, and just be outside a lot. I didn't really have to think about my health, I was a healthy individual and didn't worry about being around people who were sick. I could exercise without getting out of breath or feeling my heart race too much. I also got to see my friends whenever I wanted and worked my way from a part-time employee to a full-time employee. Eating was never something I stressed about either. I could eat whatever I wanted, like deli meats or sushi, and didn't worry about food safety or how things were prepared.


Now with cancer, everything is kind of the opposite. I can't stay active the same way, and even simple things can make me feel tired or out of breath. I have to be really careful about being around people who might be sick because my immune system is weaker. Seeing friends isn't as easy anymore, and I can't work like I used to. I also have to be more cautious with food, making sure everything is safe to eat and properly prepared. Overall, life feels a lot more limited and requires way more planning than before.


What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why? - Undecided

Bianca: Fighting Ball Leukemia

Meet Bianca: I was doing normal things like working, shopping, and one day my leg started hurting to the point I couldn't stand. So I finally go to the hospital and not even ten minutes later I find out I have cancer!

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
A really nice gaming pc set up and a shopping spree.

Miles: Osteosarcoma

In high school I was a High School track athlete, I wasn't the best at competing in track but I liked running. I also enjoy gaming in my free time as well as spending some weekends at my friend's house participating in poker nights.  I started attending UW-Green Bay. I liked college because of the opportunities and the freedom it allowed. I started noticing some pain in my right tibia. I didn't have it checked out until Christmas break from college where after many tests I learned that I have a rare form of bone cancer. I have been pushing through treatment and am about halfway through my treatment. I had my surgery to remove the tumor and also try to save my leg. The surgery was successful in removing the tumor as well as hopefully once I recover, allowing mobility in my leg again. I continue treatment for a few more months to try to eliminate any cancer cells that may be left. Chemo has been rough so far but it's been mostly manageable through support of friends and family. I never let fatigue or nausea stop me from smiling. Now I have to continue that same treatment with the exception of walking or moving around on my own, as I need to have my leg elevated and in a brace to prevent swelling and bending of the knee joint. I enjoyed going for runs with my friends to Kwik Trip while at college and I was told I will likely not be able to run again, I will be able to walk luckily. This pretty much sums up my journey with cancer until this point.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
I thought about getting a gaming computer, as I have been a console gamer most of my life and I want to be able to play with my friends who pretty much all have computers. A computer would also help me with college, as I plan on majoring in Graphic Design, so a computer would help me with that as well.

Jose: B-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

My life was pretty normal-ish before diagnosis. No it feels a little chaotic. I graduated high school May 2024 right before my diagnosis. I was diagnosed after turning 18 years old. I have had to learn a lot of new things including my diagnosis and treatment. I have had to learn resiliency with this treatment. I enjoy spending time with my family. Family is very important to me, before and after treatment.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
I am considering the newest XBox. I am interested in this because I would love to play with my older brother located in Wisconsin. This is a way to keep us in touch which is very important to me.

Rafi: Hodgkin's Lymphoma

I was a very active person who loves to travel and do activities. I enjoy some sports and love the hangout. I worked in a real estate company and was planning on getting a promotion but had to leave my job when I was diagnosed with cancer. Now I'm home with my family, feeling in pain and weak and unable to enjoy the things I used to.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
I am hoping to travel somewhere new with my family, maybe even attend a sporting event. I would love to be able to get away with my family and relax after the stress of the last several months.

Miguel: Testicular cancer & Ewing Sarcoma

Before being diagnosed I felt so free and I felt like the possibilities were endless. I had just graduated from high school. I felt like I could do anything that I wanted. After being diagnosed I feel like it's a nightmare that I can't wake up from. I feel trapped.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
I would love to meet Lin Manuel Miranda at whatever location he is willing to meet. Hamilton has gotten me through the toughest and darkest moments in my life. I love him.

Auston: Ewing Sarcoma

Before my diagnosis, I never worried about the future. I was a student at Florida State University, living an extremely active and social life, running three miles a day, eating clean, and constantly playing pickleball and golf with friends. Since being diagnosed with cancer, my life has done a complete 180. I can no longer be as active because of where the tumor was located on my spine, pressing against the nerves in my lower back. The pain radiated down my entire right leg and into my toes, making them feel like they were on fire. My treatment has been a grueling journey: I've endured 10 rounds of chemotherapy, 20 rounds of radiation, and two intense spinal surgeries where they removed part of my L5 vertebrae to reach the tumor. Afterward, I had to completely relearn how to walk.
This experience has fundamentally changed my perspective on life. I've learned never to take anything for granted and to live every day to the fullest.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
My first choice would be Hawaii to see Alaska or Aspen Colorado
After being cooped up in the house and spending so much time in the hospital over the last year, I have an incredible urge to travel and experience every part of life and to see everything the world has to offer.