Swimming for the Stars

Make-A-Wish® Connecticut granted Julian Felton’s wish to have his own swimming pool in his backyard.

Have you ever met a young boy who doesn’t LOVE to play outside? This energetic, five-year-old is no different. Julian’s favorite outdoor activities include frolicking around on the playground, in the sandbox, and of course, swimming.

Julian’s wish for a swimming pool restored him and his family’s hope and strength to keep on fighting.

Two months after he was born, Julian was diagnosed with a rare endocrine disorder. He has lived five, spirited years though, and will continue surprising his family and friends every day with his unmatched enthusiasm.

Julian loves to stay active indoors as well, sharing his common likes with other boys his age. Playing with his trucks, Legos, and watching the Avengers are some of his most beloved past-times. Julian’s excitement when fantasizing about his ultimate backyard prompted him to choose his pool wish, renewing him with pure optimism.

“When something like this happens it's very humbling and … it’s amazing that there are people out there that care, that we don’t even know, and support him,” says Julian’s dad.

After years of uncertainty and treatments, this wish did not only aid in his emotional wellbeing, but his physical strength as well. Currently, Julian is a fearless water bug, swimming for hours on end and always looking ahead for a new and lively adventure!

Every child deserves a childhood. Wishes like Julian’s are happening and need YOU now more than ever. Although we have had to postpone nearly 150 wishes due to the current global health crisis, we are innovating rapidly to grant wishes in new and safe ways across the state - wishes like room makeovers, puppies, shopping sprees, and pools like Julian’s. Your gift will deliver hope and strength to a child in your community who needs a wish today. Donate now at ct.wish.org.

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH CONNECTICUT

Make-A-Wish® Connecticut creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. Together, generous donors, supporters, staff and volunteers across the state currently grant nearly 250 wishes a year. Since 1986, Make-A-Wish Connecticut has granted more than 3,400 wishes to local children. For more information about Make-A-Wish Connecticut, visit ct.wish.org.