Sean, 12, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at 9 days old. Cystic Fibrosis is a caused by a genetic mutation that affects people at a cellular level. It damages the digestive system, the lungs, and other organs in the body. Sean does about an hour and a half of daily treatments to keep his lungs as healthy as possible. He also takes medicine every time he eats to allow his body to digest his food and absorb the nutrients. He also recently had sinus surgery.
Sean is a clever, witty, and kind-hearted young man. He loves reading and is a fan of Harry Potter and James Patterson books. He loves watching football, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Bears. He is a “numbers man” and loves learning players and team stats. He, like a lot of 12-year-olds, watches a lot of YouTube videos and plays video games. He routinely beats his dad at Madden football and other games. At school, Sean is in band and choir, plays baseball, is a member of the Student Leadership Team, and is considering starting Cross Country next year.
For the most part, people are surprised when they learn Sean has a chronic illness because he seems like a normal kid, and he is. He has to work a lot harder to stay healthy. I have always been proud of his fortitude and practicality when it comes to his CF - he’s a tough guy.
This Wish Trip was wonderful and taught Sean, and the rest of us, about generosity and kindness. It gave us a wonderful opportunity to get away and enjoy our family. Everyone involved was so kind, overwhelmingly so, and we will never forget that.
