Bristol-Myers Squibb Helps Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic Grant Wish

When Aberdeen, MD resident Kaimani was three years old, he was diagnosed with cancer. Ever since then, Kaimani has put on a brave face while undergoing treatment at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

And now, thanks to Bristol-Myers Squibb, Kaimani’s wish to go to Hawaii to see his family has come true. Bristol-Myers Squibb’s generous support of Make-A-Wish® over the last two years has paved the way for wishes to come true for kids across the country battling childhood cancer.

For Kaimani, the company’s support will change his life.

In his wish interview, Kaimani said that when he was done with treatment, he wanted to dig his toes in the sand. He explained that he wanted to visit his family in Hawaii so he can bond with them and go to the beach.

Now that Kaimani is back home after his wish to go Hawaii to see his family, he has not been able to stop talking about the fun adventures he had while in Hawaii.

Shannan, Kaimani’s mom, said that there has been a noticeable difference in Kaimani ever since he learned that his wish was going to come true.

"Not even these beautiful pictures could capture the pure joy Kaimani felt being away from his reality and to be reunited with his family filled his heart with pure happiness," Shannan said.

Earlier this year, Bristol-Myers Squibb made a $1.26 million donation to Make-A-Wish to help grant wishes for kids battling childhood cancer. Over the past two years, Bristol-Myers Squibb has donated more than $2.5 million to Make-A-Wish.

“Bristol-Myers Squibb’s generosity allows us to grant even more life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. Without them, some children might not experience the transformational power a wish has, which can give them the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness,” said Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic President Lesli Creedon. “When our kids learn that their wish has been granted, it’s like an electric charge has sparked within them. Many times, their physicians and care providers see a noticeable change in their behavior and progress just knowing that their wish has been granted and that they’re about to embark on an unforgettable experience that they’ll remember forever.”

And for little Kaimani, he wants the world to know what this wish has meant to him.

“Thank you, BMS, for making my wish come true,” he said.