"Getting to celebrate Austin and have moments to reflect and recognize the stress, fear and chaos that our family overcame over the past 18 months, was remarkable. His Wish trip provided both times for celebration and closure.”
Austin's mom
Austin’s Mom shared, "Austin was diagnosed with a brain tumor in December 2022. He spent months inpatient at Stead Family Children's Hospital at the University of Iowa, undergoing several surgeries, followed by 60 weeks of chemotherapy. This is how we heard of Make-A-Wish and received information about Austin's eligibility for a wish.
The last family trip we took before Austin got sick was to a resort in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania called Skytop. Austin had wonderful memories of all the fun events and activities - swimming, fishing, the wibit, arcade, and so much more. He was so excited for the chance to go back, in particular to catch a snapping turtle. This time around he loved the July 4th fireworks show, swimming, and beating family members at Air Hockey. He didn't catch the infamous snapping turtle that lives in the lake this time, but loved when the nature expert took Shelly the turtle out of her aquarium for the kids to see and hold.
Getting to celebrate Austin and have moments to reflect and recognize the stress, fear and chaos that our family overcame over the past 18 months, was remarkable. His Wish trip provided both times for celebration and closure.”
