LTHS student receives surprise Make-a-Wish

Lyons Township High School freshman Mackenzie Ludolph-Koukola, of LaGrange Park, was granted a wish during a surprise visit from the Make-a-Wish Foundation on her 15th birthday. She and her family will be bound for the theme parks in sunny Florida come April.

Last summer, Mackenzie was diagnosed with leukemia and spent months undergoing tests and treatments and thankfully recovery.

During one of her hospital visits, she was introduced to Make-A-Wish through a social worker on her medical team. Make-A-Wish volunteers came to get to know her and guide her on her wish journey.

An avid Star Wars fan, Mackenzie knew that would be an important part of her wish. She also wanted to spend time with her family focusing on fun after nearly a year of focusing on her illness. Ultimately, a trip to the famous Florida theme parks would check all of the boxes for the things she wanted to do.

In just a few weeks, Mackenzie will have her wish granted. She and her family will be flown to Florida where they will stay at resort geared toward children having their wishes granted and will have access to everything the area has to offer.

At Walt Disney World, Mackenzie will visit Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. While there, Make-A-Wish has arranged for Mackenzie to create her own custom lightsaber at a secret workshop so that she may continue the way of The Force. She’ll also have time to visit Universal Studios, Sea World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, another favorite on her list.

Mackenzie is one of about 700 children who will be granted a wish in Illinois this year. To qualify, a child must have a critical illness and be between the ages of 2½ and 18. Any child who medically qualifies and has not had a wish from another organization will be granted a wish.