Matthew is a fun-loving 10-year-old who enjoys nothing more than playing soccer or lacrosse in his backyard. He also enjoys building things with LEGOs and learning about science, particularly electricity and geology. Matthew loves to laugh, and his favorite movies are Will Ferrell’s “Elf” and most Adam Sandler movies.

In 2011, Matthew’s parents took him to the dentist for a routine check-up. He had a tooth pulled and, in the spot where his tooth was, there was a pea-sized tumor. His dentist prescribed antibiotics, thinking it was an abscess. After awhile, the “abscess” seemed to get larger, so he was sent to a specialist. They tried to remove the growth three different times and yet it came back every time. Matthew was sent to more specialists who, after a month of testing where Matthew had to miss school, he was finally diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, or oral cancer. Matthew endured a major invasive procedure in which the teeth around the tumor were removed, as well as the palate down to his jawbone, so that they could scrape all the way down to the bone to try to remove the tumor. Afterwards, Matthew endured another major surgery which removed all the teeth on the left side of his mouth along with the lymph nodes on the left side of his neck. Matthew is currently being fitted for a prosthetic and he must go to the doctor’s every three months for a follow-up.

For his wish, Matthew wants to enjoy some time away from everyday life by going on a tropical cruise. Get ready to experience the thrill of the high seas, Matthew, because your wish is about to come true!

Gene is a bright teenager who loves music and baking. His favorite show is “Cake Boss” and he loves listening to and watching Broadway musicals. Gene also collects programs from his favorite Broadway shows and even builds small scale sets and items from musicals that he likes.

Gene was born with a very rare insulin disorder called Rabson-Mendenhall Syndrome; it is so rare, in fact, that there are only eight known cases worldwide. Because of this condition, Gene produces 100 times more insulin than normal and his insulin receptors do not work – something that will eventually shut his body down and severely shorten his lifespan. Gene already endures twice daily insulin injections, but he is also part of a trial study to determine possible treatments for the syndrome, as there is very little known about it at this time.

For his wish, Gene wants to bake a cake with the “Cake Boss,” Buddy Valastro. Make sure to pack an apron, Gene, because your wish is about to come true!

Kelsey is a bright teen with a creative streak. She loves painting with acrylics and her favorite subject in school, besides math, is art. Kelsey also enjoys listening to all sorts of music and cheering for the Notre Dame football team.

Two years ago, Kelsey underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. However, she began experiencing post-operative complications including severe headaches and short term memory loss; she was diagnosed with a granulomatous infection of the brain. She underwent several more surgeries and has had 5 in total so far. Kelsey was also treated with a high dose of steroids – the only thing known with the ability to control the infection. This illness has almost killed Kelsey several times, but she is certainly fighting it. She is currently receiving medication to deal with secondary illnesses that are attacking her immune system, which has been severely weakened with her treatments.

For her wish, Kelsey wants to come to face to face with some friendly penguins! Get ready to meet some ‘cool’ new friends, Kelsey, because your wish is about to come true!

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Christian is a fun-loving 8-year-old with a fondness for playing video games and playing in the pool. He collects wrestling action figures and football cards and his favorite time in school is recess. Christian’s favorite TV show is “Spongebob Squarepants” and his favorite sports are baseball and basketball.

Christian was born with a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 1 that causes tumors to grow in the body’s nerve tissues. He was also born with an enlarged kidney, which was surgically corrected when he was only 10 months old. After he turned 2, Christian’s doctors discovered a tumor, called an optic glioma, in his brain that can cause vision loss. He also has an tumor on his right hip for which he has endured surgery. In addition, Christian was recently diagnosed with weak bones after he began walking differently than normal – a typical side effect of neurofibromatosis – and he must now wear a back brace when performing strenuous tasks like riding a bicycle. Because of his condition, Christian must check in with various doctors and specialists on regular schedules to ensure that nothing is worsening.

For his wish, Christian wants to enjoy a tropical cruise with his family! Get ready to experience the fun of the high seas, Christian, because your wish is about to come true!

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Channa is a 15-year-old social butterfly who adores listening to the music of her favorite boy band, One Direction. She also enjoys dancing and learning about history in school. Channa’s favorite sport is baseball and she always cheers for the Yankees.

In 2002, Channa was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a condition that causes mucus to build up in the lungs, clogging the passageways and leading to life-threatening lung infections. She receives daily medications and physical therapy using a percussion vest to help clear her lungs and breathe easier. Channa’s condition also affects her digestive system, for which she must take pancreatic enzyme and special vitamins to cope.

For her wish, Channa wants to meet her favorite singing group, One Direction. Get ready to see stars, Channa, because your wish is about to come true!

Kaden is a playful 8-year-old who enjoys watching baseball games, hockey games and “Spongebob Squarepants.” His favorite food is mac and cheese and he loves riding his bicycle and collecting Pokemon cards.

At the age of five, Kaden was diagnosed with intractable epilepsy, an uncontrollable seizure disorder. Kaden is currently enduring painful tests and a spinal tap in order to surgically implant a vagal nerve stimulator to help try and control his seizures in addition to the medication he is already taking. Kaden is also autistic and suffers from various cognitive and developmental delays.

For his wish, Kaden wants to visit the fun-filled theme parks in Orlando, Florida. Get ready to experience a vacation like you’ve never had before, Kaden, because your wish is about to come true!

Tyler is a friendly 13-year-old with a fun-loving personality. He enjoys watching baseball games and cheers for the Houston Astros. Taylor also loves reading, watching wrestling and playing games on his Wii and PS2 systems.

When Tyler was four years old, he was diagnosed with having the seizure disorder, epilepsy, just like his older brother. Up until this year, Tyler was only having petit mal seizures. However, this past July he began suffering grand mal seizures that are coming from both sides of his brain. In September, Tyler endured a surgery to implant a vagus nerve stimulator to help treat his seizures. Tyler is also on three different medications to help treat his condition, although his speech and motor skills are slowing down.

For his wish, Tyler wants to enjoy a week of magic at Walt Disney World in Florida. Get ready for the most magical vacation, Tyler, because your wish is about to come true!

Elise is a sweet 6-year-old who loves to fingerpaint and spend time outside. Her favorite show is Disney’s “Good Luck Charlie” and her favorite color is purple. Elise also enjoys watching basketball games on TV with her family and playing with her musical toys.

In 2008, Elise suffered a seizure and her spleen became enlarged. After many tests, a specialist discovered that she suffered from a rare genetic disorder called Niemann-Pick Disease Type C, which occurs when the body cannot properly break down lipids and cholesterol, leading to excessive amounts that are then stored in the liver and brain. This degenerative condition can also cause a buildup of lipids in the brain, leading to other neurological problems, which only worsen over time. Because of her condition, Elise is no longer able to speak more than a few words and requires assistance to walk due to low muscle tone. Elise also needs the help of a Patient Care Assistant every day and is on a daily medication regimen.

For her wish, Elise wants to visit the set of “Good Luck Charlie,” her all-time favorite TV show. Get ready for some magic, Elise, because your wish is about to come true!

Wish: Visit the “Good Luck Charlie” Set
Wish Type: Celebrity

Jovan is a bright teen who is a whiz on the computer and loves playing chess. He also enjoys playing basketball with his friends. Jovan’s quite the football fan and his favorite team is the Washington Redskins.

Jovan was born with a blood disorder called sickle cell anemia that causes irregularly shaped red blood cells to form. This decreases the amount of oxygen that is delivered to the body’s tissues and causes an interruption in healthy blood flow. Both of these effects create chronic pain crises throughout the body – something that Jovan intensely suffers from. At night, Jovan is dependent on oxygen and he is also on several different medications to help manage his pain.

For his wish, Jovan just wants an Xbox 360 of his very own. Get ready to game, Jovan, because your wish is about to come true!

Wish: Xbox 360
Wish Type: Commodity

Takira is a cheerful 5-year-old who loves to play dress-up games. Her favorite TV show is “My Little Pony” and her favorite colors are pink and purple. Quite the princess herself, Takira dreams of meeting her favorite Disney princesses one day.

Before she was even a year old, Takira was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. This is a blood disorder in which red blood cells are abnormally shaped, causing interruptions in healthy blood flow. This condition causes little Takira to suffer through major pain crises and she must take regular medication to help manage them. Takira’s gone through many ER visits in her brief life so far, she’s suffered through several blood transfusions and she can’t walk long distances.

For her wish, Takira just wants to relax with her family during a fun vacation to the theme parks in Florida. Get ready to experience some magic, Takira, because your wish is about to come true!

Wish: Visit Disney World
Wish Type: Florida Theme Parks