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!
HEAGEN
Heagen’s words:
“I believe that God gave me this path for a reason. It might be a challenge, but I figured out if I can’t play sports anymore, I want to take pictures, enjoy arrt and picture the moment. Some days cancer really beats me, but I still love to take pictures.”
Heagen’s wish for a camera was revealed on August 24th. We hope to have the camera delivered directly to her in the next few weeks.
CARTER
Carter’s words: “Life was already a roller coaster since before I was diagnosed with B-ALL; my dad was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His diagnosis made me do a little bit of growing up; I took care of my siblings while my parents were in the hospital, and I took care of the house when they were gone as well. However, my dad is now in remission, but I am now going through my own treatments. I still love all the same things but can’t do the outdoor things that I loved to do so much such as hunting or playing sports.”
I want to take a family trip to Disney – I don’t know if it’s a trip that I will ever have a chance to go on again and I think it would be great for myself and my family.
KATIE
Katie’s words: “Sometimes I feel useless because I have a four-year old that needs me and I am always tired. I feel like this has impacted his life even more than mine; and that truly breaks my heart.”
Katie wants to take her son to Hawaii because he loves the beach, nature and animals. Her dream is to always make him happy, spend quality time with him and create beautiful memories together.
PAOLA
Paola’s words: “One of the hardest parts of this journey has been watching life continue around me while feeling left behind. I often think about the opportunities I missed, the education I had to postpone and the experiences I was unable to have because my focus had to be on surviving.”
Paola is excited about her family trip to Orlando – “a chance for healing, joy and creating memories that my family and I could cherish for the rest of our lives”.
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 early next year on the Schooner Mary Day.