SydStrong works with our partner, Nik’s WIsh, to notify the leukemia patient that their “Wish is granted”. The wish reveal is done in person if possible but sometimes done by the patient’s family or the hospital staff. We are ecstatic when we can be a part of the reveal but equally as excited to be able to grant the SydSmile.
Each reveal is also a beginning. . .
There is no guarantee that this wish will actually be granted. So, it is a time for celebration of life and prayers for continued recovery.
SydSmiles have been revealed for these young adults. Please keep them in your prayers so that we can help them make their wishes come true!
ZAID
Zaid’s words:
“After my diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and my second bone marrow transplant, my life became very different. I spend much of my time in the hospital, going through treatments, and trying to stay strong. There are days that are really hard, but I keep fighting and hope for better days.”
“I have always dreamed of visiting New York City because I have seen it in movies and imagined its incredible energy and beauty. I also hope to explore Central Park, walk through Times Square, and feel the vibrant life of the city.”
Zaid’s wish was revealed in December. Zaid will be traveling to New York City with his family in 2026.
BRIANNA
Brianna’s words:
“I was in college for interpreting for the Deaf. I got diagnosed and suddenly had to take a gap year and step down from ASL presidency.”
“I want to sail on a tall ship.”
Brianna is scheduled to cruise in Maine later this year on the Schooner Mary Day.
EMILY
Emily 24 years old fighting B-Cell ALL from IL
My husband and I had just gotten married the previous December and found out we were expecting the following summer with a baby to be born in March of the next year.
I found out I had leukemia 3 months before his delivery and delivered a healthy preemie in between chemo rounds!
This isn’t what I expected at all for motherhood and trying to raise a family. I was in the “this can’t happen to me” category before I learned about leukemia and how it can affect anyone of any age at any stage of their life.
So many doors have been opened for me to raise awareness about leukemia/maternal cancer and serve the AYA population with care packages and letters of encouragement.
What Nik’s wish are you thinking about and why?
I would love assistance getting my nonprofit off of the ground fully! I send care envelopes filled with tea, activity pages, and stickers each month to a group of AYA’s and run a support group on Instagram for the tea club.
I would love to be able to have all of the legal paperwork done to officially call Cute and Acute a nonprofit and serve even more people. Potentially launching a small website, social media verification, and participating in my small town’s activities for local businesses and nonprofits.
I fundraise during the summer by walking and running, I’d love to be able to host events as well to fundraise for the care packages! So many opportunities to expand.
While I would be grateful for a trip or item, I’d like this opportunity to go to being able to leave a lasting impact on the AYA community. These projects also keep me positive and motivated while dealing with side effects and being quarantined.
LOGAN
Logan is from Dardanelle, AR. He was born with Down Syndrome and other disabilities.
Logan was diagnosed with cancer at an early age and has had other challenges throughout his lifetime. He has a big heart and loves everyone. His family thought he had beat the cancer and was so happy. But years later (November 2024), Logan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and has remained under continuous medical care. Logan, despite the leukemia coming back and almost losing his life several times has remained a positive light. Logan will say “it’s alright, I am going to be fine. I will beat this!”
Dwayne Johnson, the Rock, has been such a role model and inspiration for Logan and really got him through all of this. Logan dresses like the Rock and wants to be just like the Rock.
Logan’s wish is to meet the Rock in person.