WISH KIDS AND THEIR DAD’S
WISH KIDS AND THEIR DAD’S
To celebrate Wish Dad’s, Make-A-Wish have shared the inspiring stories of Wish kids and their families
In celebration of our Wish Dad’s campaign, Make-A-Wish have shared the inspiring stories of Wish kids and their families. Through Wish Dad’s, Tarocash and Make-A-Wish Australia seek to highlight specifically how a wish can change the life of a sick child and their close family, with a special spotlight on Dad’s.
Keep reading to hear about each Wish kid’s journey below:
AEDAN AND WISH DAD CAMERON
Aedan was born at 26 weeks. He was just three days old when the signs of the bleed become visually apparent, and five days old when the doctors spoke to his parents. His little head was black from bruising.
“Doctors told us that Aedan had experienced a massive bleed on his brain which could result in a number of medical issues later in his life.
“At the time we really didn't know what to think, we just knew that we were in this together and we would do the best with whatever life threw at us,” Cameron said.
Despite Aedan now living with autism, seizures, low vision, being partially non-verbal and unable to walk, the family hasn’t slowed down. Aedan and his dad have made a name for themselves as they take part in marathons across the country, and the family are a regular fixture at their local Parkrun.
“Aedan and I just love doing marathons, the long distance and time we get to spend together is something really special to us.
“Aedan in particular enjoys our run’s, he loves feeling the wind on his face and getting high fives from our running community as we pass by. He has even been known to put the brakes on when we’re running, to make me work that little bit harder!
“For me, I love being Aedan's legs, helping push him along, seeing the smile on his face,” added Cameron.
Despite the family’s incredible positivity, they still face many challenges that sometimes wear them down. With Aedan needing to spend a lot of time in hospital, Cameron and Donna need to work hard to support him and his sister, Arianna both financially and emotionally.
When we heard about Aedan’s story, we began working hard to try and give some positivity and hope through the power of a wish.
“For Aedan’s wish, we really wanted to participate in the Sydney marathon, and even more than that we wanted to experience all Sydney has to offer and forget for a moment the ongoing challenges we have to deal with as a family around Aedan’s health,” Donna said.
“We are often in and out of hospital with Aedan, which is located four hours from where we live. We spend lots of time apart as a family because we don’t want our daughter, Arianna to feel like she’s missing out on time with her parents, but equally we always want Aedan to have one of us there to support him.”
For Aedan’s Wish, him and his family took part in the Sydney Running festival and throughout the entire wish the family will be together. They won’t have to worry about hospital appointments, being separated or anything else, just spending good family time with each other, which is the most important thing.
Aedan also had an amazing support team who helped raise vital funds so that other kids can experience the powerful impact of a wish journey.
LIVI AND WISH DAD MIKE
Livi was diagnosed as a three-year-old with Rett syndrome, a rare neurological condition.
Other conditions emerged later, including epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Livi, who is now 17, has had many operations. The most notable was to fix a curvature of her spine.
“Livi has no speech and requires full-time care,” mum Fiona said. “It’s like looking after a quadriplegic.”
“It has been a rollercoaster, lots of up and downs.
“Mike and I lean heavily on each other. We always look out to see if one of us is struggling, and the other will step in.
“Mike’s been incredible; he’s always been proactive and is very hands-on with Liv; they have a strong bond and a special connection.”
Liv’s wish for a cavoodle puppy came true in 2019.
Fiona said it was a “rocky time with medical stuff” leading up to the arrival of puppy Maple.
“It all happened at a time we really needed it,” she said.
“Make-A-Wish was just incredibly supportive and made it fun for all of us; the whole family was involved.
“Livi was made to feel like she was really special.
“In the lead up to Maple arriving, Make-A-Wish sent little parcels in the mail and photos of her which kept us really excited. We are so grateful. Nobody wants their child to be eligible for a wish, but it’s certainly something beautiful to look forward to.”
Fiona said Maple and Livi had developed a strong bond.
“Maple sits on Livi’s knees for hours if we let her,” Fiona said. “Every night, she jumps on Livi’s bed, snuggles up next to her and waits until Livi’s asleep before she comes out.
“If Livi’s upset or feeling a bit agitated, then popping Maple on her knee or going for a walk with Maple will usually help her feel better.”
OWEN AND WISH DAD CLINTON
Read about Owen's inspiring journey HERE.
Wishes transform the lives of everybody: the child, their family, volunteers and the community. Please remember to donate to Make-A-Wish and we have limited edition packaging this year with all profits donated to Make-A-Wish.
