听Jonathan was in kindergarten, getting used to his routine as a busy, young boy when everything changed.
His parents noticed he had some unusual bruising, so they took him to the pediatrician. They were heading home after school when the doctor called.
鈥淗e told us to go to the ER right away,鈥� said Jonathan鈥檚 mom, Jean.
As one night in the hospital turned to four, the family鈥檚 fear grew.
鈥淭he hardest part was explaining to Jonathan what was happening,鈥� Jean said. 鈥淥utwardly, he looked like his normal, healthy self. But inside, his blood was slowly making him sick.鈥�
Jonathan was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia which often requires lifelong maintenance and monitoring. His current medication requires a regimented schedule that has created an entirely new daily routine for his whole family.
In the midst of this tumultuous time, Jonathan and his family received a life-changing gift through , which helps make wishes come true for children with l critical illnesses.
Jonathan鈥檚 dream became reality through the program as he traveled to New York City, walked the city streets, spent a day with the New York Police Department and experienced the many sights of a bustling metropolis.
鈥淛onathan鈥檚 wish opened our eyes to the world around us,鈥� said Jean.
Now, Jonathan looks forward to anything involving Make-A-Wish庐, where he鈥檚 surrounded by people who truly care about him and encourage him to keep dreaming. His family has stayed involved because they know how important a wish can be and how it gives a needed break to families constantly in the throes of medical procedures.
鈥淲ishes give kids something to look forward to. They bring sense where things are confusing in their medical world,鈥� said Jean. 鈥淲ishes bring hope, and this hope is tangible.鈥�
Now,听 and Make-A-Wish庐 Alaska and Washington are teaming up to make wishes come true, and you can help.
Airline travel remains Make-A-Wish庐 Alaska and Washington鈥檚 single largest expense. It would take an estimated 80 million miles annually to grant all local travel wishes. Make-A-Wish庐 Alaska and Washington鈥檚 goal is to raise one million miles from March 5-18 to send more kids like Jonathan on their wish trip. You can play a part in granting these wishes by today and sharing the donation link so others can do the same.