It’s a common myth that all Make-A-Wish kids have terminal illnesses. For many, a wish experience provides strength and hope for the future. With the support of family, friends, communities, and – of course – their medical teams, many wish kids go on to become healthy adults. This section profiles wish kids years after they’ve had their wishes. Each of them is living proof that hope helps heal.

KATELYN'S STORY

In March 2003 Katelyn, her parents and three siblings took a magical trip to Hawaii.  Katelyn has cystic fibrosis and at the time of her trip she was twelve years old and in the seventh grade.  She has said about her wish trip that, “it was a trip of a lifetime; I mean who could complain of gorgeous scenery, the remarkable blue skies, and the ocean.  It was a seven day trip in amazingly warm weather with the people that meant the world to me and helped make it one memorable experience, along with the Make-A-Wish team.”

Katelyn is currently a freshman at Kansas University and is involved with Kappa Delta Sorority.  Growing up in a very small town and knowing no one at college, Katelyn had to build a new network of friends.  She says that this has been a great building experience for her and she has already made some amazing friends.  She has assume many more responsibilities since starting college compared to when she lived with her parents, even with what she had to take on growing up.  Katelyn says that through all her life experiences she appreciates every minute of her experience here and is so grateful to be able to have this chance.

JORDAN'S STORY

On March 17, 2000 Jordan, who had leukemia and at that time age 11, traveled with his parents and sister to West Palm Beach, FL to meet his favorite person…Garth Brooks.  At this time Mr. Brooks was practicing with the New York Mets and the family attended a spring training game where Jordan’s wish was fulfilled.   Jordan spent the day and evening with Mr. Brooks who gave Jordan many encouraging words and friendly support.

Jordan is now 20 and is celebrating an addition to his family with the birth of his daughter Ashdan.  Jordan and his girlfriend Ashley are raising their daughter in Hutchinson, KS where Jordan is attending college.  He is studying Fire Science and is excited to become a firefighter.  His health has been great with only a few bumps along the way.  Jordan also enjoys mowing, fishing and bow hunting when he has time.  Jordan would “like to say thank you to Make-A-Wish.  Keep making those dreams come true!”

ANDREA'S STORY

In March 2006 Andrea and her family flew to Kearney, Nebraska where Andrea went on a photo exhibition with a professional National Geographic photographer.  Andrea had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and dreamed about a career in photography and was excited to spend time learning some necessary skills from a professional.

Andrea is currently a junior at the University of Texas in Austin majoring in English and Education.  She married her husband Alek in December 2008 and he is currently on a year-long deployment to Iraq with the U.S. Army.  They have one dog that cuddles with Andrea while Alek is gone.  Andrea is still interested in photography and plans on opening her own studio one day as a side job.  She recently bought more photography gear and plans to experiment and build her knowledge base in the area of studio photography.

As of August Andrea has been in remission for 4 years.  She says that she will “never forget my experience with cancer and all the richness that it brought into my life.  I am so thankful to be able to say that it was one of the best experiences of my life.  Yes, it was horrible at the time, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a second.  My wish truly was the experience of a lifetime and I wouldn’t trade a thing for it.  After all, without every step I’ve taken in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”