Tell us about your medical journey and how you first heard about Make-A-Wish Iowa?
First, we assumed Make-A-Wish was for terminally ill children. In the midst of our son battling Hodgkins Lymphoma, the hospital social worker let us know she was doing a referral for him. His journey has been a rollercoaster as he had reactions to the etopocide, developed cdiff and meningitis at the same time causing seizures and a 3 day coma, to completing chemo and radiation to possibly having more treatments ahead of us as his scans still show activity. When we found out he was eligible for a wish it gave him a renewed purpose with something to look forward to.
What was your wish and how did you choose it?
Rourick chose Disney/Universal as his ultimate wish. We didn't have much to prepare other than luggage as MAWI took care of every single detail. His absolute favorite was the Magic Kingdom Castle show at night, and Universal Studios. He got to hold gators!! And met Bumblebee from the Transformers, and even had a moment with the one and only Mickey Mouse!! Let’s not forget the absolute wonder that is Hogwarts.
How did the experience impact you, your medical journey and your family?
Rourick is not only battling cancer but is also on the spectrum. He is high functioning but struggles with opening up, and really grasping the magnitude of situations. Emotionally this was amazing for him. He was able to just be a kid, to be rejuvenated to come back to testing and anything that lies ahead knowing that this world has so much to offer and experience. It gave us as a family time.. to breathe, to enjoy, to experience and to be thankful and grateful.
Why does supporting Make-A-Wish Iowa matter?
When you support MAWI you give children the ability to take charge of their destiny for a moment. They get to experience the desire that they have in their hearts. But you also give families hope. MAWI doesn't 1 just grant wishes. You bless families that may not have the opportunities to experience what we were able to. We all would want nothing more than to give our children all that they deserve especially where funds are concerned. Your support allows that to happen, to create time, memories, relieve stress, and to breathe. Our lives become tests, treatments, missed school, missed work, Doctors, appointments, needles.. not to mention the emotional havoc. For that one week he wasn't a child on the spectrum battling for his life... he was just a child. He was enjoying life, being with his family, experiencing so many firsts! MAWI and their partnerships with the Airlines, and Give Kids The World Village (all beautiful souls that volunteer their time) treat these children like royalty! Disney/Univeral/Sea World really show them what it means to be special with the VIP treatment... all possible by supporting this life changing organization. We are deeply humbled and filled with gratitude for all involved who allowed us to take this adventure together.