Join Make-A-Wish® Mid-Atlantic This September For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

MAKE-A-WISH® MID-ATLANTIC RECOGNIZES

CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Bethesda, MD (September 19, 2016) – Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic recognizes September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Over half of all local wish kids referred to Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic are facing a cancer diagnosis. We remain forever inspired by their bravery, strength and courage, and that of their families. One such example can be found in the story of local wish kid, 16-year-old Andrew, who recently returned from his wish to attend the Olympic Games.

Diagnosed with cancer at only 11-years-old, Andrew knows what it’s like to fight. An active athlete, Andrew’s world was turned upside down after a cancer diagnosis threatened to rob him of everything he knew and loved. During long days in the hospital filled with what felt like endless rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and more, Andrew was referred to Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic and suddenly found hope in the midst of the darkness. Andrew thought long and hard about his one true wish and ultimately wished to go to Rio for the 2016 Olympic Games. His wish meant he would need to wait several years before it was time to travel, but this proved to be just what he needed. As Andrew bravely endured painful treatment protocols and missed school and swim team to attend doctor’s appointments, he often thought of his wish when he needed a joyful distraction. Finally, in January of 2016, Andrew entered remission, just in time for the Olympic Games.

After traveling to Rio with his family, Andrew enjoyed great seats for the Olympic swimming races. Andrew and his family met with other wish families in attendance at the games and enjoyed all the sights and sounds Rio had to offer. The energy from the audience and the athletes at the pool was nearly tangible, and the smile never left Andrew’s face. Andrew watched in amazement as many of the athletes he knew and loved competed right before his eyes; it was truly a sight to behold. Perhaps the best part, though, was the fact that during his time in Rio, his cancer diagnosis seemed to fade into a distant memory. Instead of thinking about cancer and the pain and upheaval it caused, now Andrew looks back on this journey and thinks about his wish, and the wonder and amazement he experienced at the Olympics. Andrew’s wish brought hope, strength and joy to him and his family at a time they needed it most; this is the healing power of a wish.

For photos from Andrew’s wish and/or to set up an interview, please contact Kellie Wyatt at kwyatt@midatlantic.wish.org.

About Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic

Make-A-Wish® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic serves children who reside in central and southern Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland and northern Virginia. Founded in 1983, the Mid-Atlantic chapter has granted more than 8,800 wishes in the Mid-Atlantic region since its inception. Wish kids face any number of life-threatening medical conditions such as cancer, pediatric AIDS, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, kidney and heart disease. This year alone, 840 local children are expected to be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. However, for every wish granted, at least two more local children are waiting. The community has the opportunity to make an impact today by helping Make-A-Wish to reach hundreds of kids whose wishes would go otherwise unanswered this year. For more information, please visit: midatlantic.wish.org.

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