By Allison Schweizer, Wish Mom

When we’re young, we aren’t expected to understand diseases or illnesses. Our children only understand smiling, laughing, playing outside, enjoying sports, watching favorite Disney® movies, and being kids. Unfortunately, many children don’t get to spend their time doing “normal” kid things. Instead, they spend their days in and out of doctor appointments and treatments. With the help of Make-A-Wish® Central & Western North Carolina, kids like my son Lucas are able to take back their childhood through the granting of their one true wish.

Meet Lucas: A Brave Boy With a Big Wish

When we first shared our story in 2015, Lucas was eight. He was born with many brain anomalies, and as a result he is nonverbal and can’t walk independently. His seizures started at age three, and over the years they became longer and, at times, more dangerous. He sees a number of specialists and has many weekly therapies. Yet in spite of all this, he’s one of the bravest, most joyful children I’ve ever seen, and his smile changes the world.

I’ve learned not to limit myself when it comes to my boy. He’s taught me that if I limit myself, I limit him, because he needs my help to do the things that bring him the greatest joy. He has always loved water, wind, and boogie boarding. He’s an adrenaline junkie! For years he’s participated in adaptive water skiing and wakeboarding. As his parents, it was on our bucket list to someday take Lucas to Hawaii so he could experience surfing with an amazing group of volunteers at Access Surf.

An Adaptive Surfing Wish in Hawaii

Lucas’ wish, “to go adaptive surfing in Hawaii,” was granted, and our family was treated to what I can honestly say was a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Waikiki. No detail was left to chance, and our days and nights were filled with one amazing experience after another.

How a Wish Strengthens the Whole Family

Wishes help strengthen families. Make-A-Wish helped strengthen ours.

Since Lucas’ wish trip, there have been positive changes in all of us. After watching first responders resuscitate her twin brother for much of her childhood, Lucas’ sister, Chloe, struggled with significant anxiety. Before his wish, she kept him at arm’s length and at times couldn’t even pat him on the head. During the trip, she took his hand and explained things to him, like what “Aloha” meant and what his lei was made of (nuts and shells) compared to hers (flowers). Now Chloe blows bubbles for him, talks to him, and soothes him when he’s upset.

Lucas’ wish gave us the rejuvenation we needed to face another school year filled with doctors’ appointments and challenging therapies. It gave us the break we desperately needed, memories we’ll never lose, smiles, a week full of family, and unforgettable moments of joy.

Make-A-Wish in the Triad and Central & Western North Carolina

Our story is just one of thousands. Make-A-Wish Central & Western North Carolina serves 51 counties, from Burlington and Alamance County westward, including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Charlotte, and Asheville. Since 1985, the chapter has granted about 6,000 wishes, and it granted a record 430 wishes in its most recent fiscal year.

Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses at a time when they need it most. For many kids, a wish marks a turning point in their treatment journey, bringing hope, strength, and joy to the whole family. Donations made to the chapter stay local to help fund wishes for children right here in our communities.

How to Refer a Child to Make-A-Wish

If you know a child like Lucas who is battling a critical illness, you can share the power of a wish by referring them to Make-A-Wish. Parents, family members, medical professionals, and children themselves can all make a referral. A family’s income is never a factor in whether a child qualifies, and the family is always included in the wish.

To learn more about the referral process, visit wish.org/nc and select “Refer a Child.”

Ways to Support Make-A-Wish in North Carolina

Want to help grant wishes for local kids? You can donate, volunteer as a wish granter, join a chapter fundraising event, or start a school fundraiser through Kids For Wish Kids®. Find all the ways to get involved at wish.org/nc.

Make-A-Wish FAQ

What is Make-A-Wish?
Make-A-Wish is a nonprofit that grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish Central & Western North Carolina has served local families since 1985.

Does Make-A-Wish serve Greensboro and Winston-Salem?
Yes. The Central & Western North Carolina chapter serves 51 counties from Alamance County west, including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, and Burlington.

Who can refer a child to Make-A-Wish?
Parents, legal guardians, family members, medical professionals, and the child can all make a referral.

Does family income affect eligibility?
No. A family’s financial situation is never a factor in whether a child qualifies for a wish.

Does a child have to be terminally ill to receive a wish?
No. Wishes are granted to children with critical illnesses, and many wish kids go on to overcome their illnesses.

How can I help Make-A-Wish in North Carolina?
You can donate, volunteer, attend or host a fundraising event, or start a Kids For Wish Kids® fundraiser at your child’s school.

Looking for more ways to give back locally? See our guide to volunteering and giving with Triad nonprofits.

Sponsored by Make-A-Wish® Central & Western North Carolina

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