Meet Our Wish Kids

Kelly wished to swim with dolphins.

As Kelly journeyed through a succession of severe blows to her health and confidence between the ages of 14 and 16, she also battled with the idea of accepting a once-in-a-lifetime wish experience from the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

“My situation was scary, and I didn't believe anything could conquer that, or fix my problems,” said Kelly.   “But living out my wish actually raised my spirits and strengthened my resolve.   I didn't realize I how much I needed that until I got home feeling ready to move onward.”

Once Kelly had accepted the astonishing offer to request anything in the world from her wish-granting team, she asked if they could fulfill one special dream of hers.   The 16-year-old had always wished she could swim with dolphins in the clear-blue, warm, ocean waters of the Bahamas.   So, her Make-A-Wish® team went straight to work arranging a truly special vacation for a skeptical young girl and the parents who sustained her through it all.  

During her wish experience, Kelly's troubles seemed to wash away on the shores of Paradise Island, and were replaced – if only temporarily - by excitement and enthusiasm.   For a week, Kelly simply relaxed and let the moment rejuvenate her.   She left all thoughts of doctors, treatments, and difficulties at home while she swam and played with dolphins in the tropics.  

Kelly's wish-come-true was only a moment of magic and wonder, but the results of the experience were everlasting, and carried her through recovery and eventual healing.   Deeply affected, Kelly returned to the Foundation as a volunteer wish granter and speaker, and is now on the staff of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York.