Wish Rekindles Love of Adventure After Lengthy Battle with Leukemia

MARBLE FALLS, Texas (June 2023): Kaelon has so much to celebrate, he’s a survivor of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It’s been a long journey to get to this point. After his diagnosis, he was hospitalized for nearly 7 weeks undergoing three types of oral chemotherapy. One of the chemo meds unexpectedly caused a stroke. He was transferred to a cancer center, and after two-and-a-half years of treatments, he’ll soon complete his treatment plan. It was perfect timing to celebrate Kaelon with his special wish.   

This nature lover found out about his dream coming true in a way that he could fully appreciate. Kids Wish Network surprised Kaelon with an elm tree in his backyard, courtesy of Nature’s Way Resources. “The Elm will grow big and strong enough to hold a treehouse one day,” said his mom Kristal. Kaelon wouldn’t have to wait until then to experience a treehouse for himself. For more immediate gratification, Kids Wish Network planned a unique getaway for Kaelon and his family to stay in an actual treehouse at Candlelight Ranch. It was a wish full of adventures in the great outdoors.  

One of Kaelon’s favorite activities was going to Spider Mountain Bike Park, where his family took a lift up the mountain and hiked down through the scenic trail with stunning vistas of the Texas hill country and Lake Buchanan. A highlight of the day was experiencing his first mountain bike lesson, courtesy of the bike park. The staff went above and beyond, also gifting Kaelon a helmet, gloves and care package. “They were just the sweetest people,” said his mom Kristal.

Adventures continued staying in the treehouse at Candlelight Ranch, and participating in activities out of his comfort zone. “My favorite part was the family time we got to spend together and seeing him actually try things again because he’s been so nervous to do things during treatment,” said his mom. “It was exciting to see him experience things that he doesn’t normally get to experience like the zip lines,” concured his dad James. After going on four different zip lines, Kaelon was hooked. Candlelight Ranch provided accommodations and the family’s activities. 

Other memorable moments included exploring caverns, and dining on his favorite foods at Fuji Sushi & Asian Grill, Doc’s Fish Camp & Grill, and The Real New Orleans Style Restaurant. The family’s meals were courtesy of the restaurants.

It was a transformative trip for Kaelon losing himself in carefree moments, and rekindling his love of adventure with new hobbies that he hopes to continue in the future.

Many Thanks 

Kids Wish Network could not have provided this wish to Kaelon without the help of Candlelight Ranch, Spider Mountain Bike Park, Fuji Sushi & Asian Grill, Doc’s Fish Camp & Grill, The Real New Orleans Style Restaurant, Nature’s Way Resources, and the many supporters who believe in making wishes come true for kids who need hope.  Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs.

Kids Wish Network has been making dreams come true for children since 1997. We are dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children experiencing life-altering situations. We started with the single purpose of granting wishes to children suffering from life-threatening conditions but have since created additional programs to benefit kids nationwide, including Hero of the Month, Project Toy Drop, Holiday of Hope Gift Banks, and A Child Forever Funeral Assistance.