Dear Make-A-Wish^®,

On August 4, 2006 our beautiful, five year old, baby boy Matthew was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. That night, while looking out the window, he asked, "Mama, will I ever get to see a space ship take off?" After the day that we had, not really comprehending what was to come, but with fierce resolve I replied, "Yes," thinking to myself if I had to build a rocket and set it off from the school yard he would see one take off.

1164 Days in treatment for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

1468 Doses of Chemotherapy

468 Doses of Steroids

104 Needle Pokes

29 Spinal Taps w/ chemotherapy injection

4 Bone Marrow Aspirates

2 Surgeries

1 Make-A-Wish^® Trip

1377 days from the day Matthew wished to see a space shuttle take off, his wish came true. On May 14, 2010, Matthew saw the Atlantis Space Shuttle STS132 take off from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. It was a very emotional moment for all of us. I asked Matthew why he was crying he said, "It's OK Mama, I'm happy sad".

That night while tucking Matthew into bed at our beautiful sanctuary at Give Kids the World, he snuggled in with a very peaceful smile on his face and whispered, "Mama, dreams really do come true."

How can we properly thank all of you for giving us this profound gift? All I can do is to have you try and imagine the pure peace, joy and contentment we feel and know that you gave us this gift.

Thank you.

Sincerely, with all of our hearts,

Laura, Don, Nicole and Matthew

More Adventure Wishes

1. Emma Burns:

Just reading your story made me cry! (Happy sad, though :) )
What a beautiful story, thank you for sharing.