As told by wish child, Jennifer MacDonald.

“February 8th was the day my life changed. I was snowboarding during a school ski trip when I fell and hit my head of the ice. I had a minor concussion and spent a few hours in the hospital in Jasper. I went home expecting to have normal side affects. But then it got worse.

Soon I couldn't get up from my bed, and my right eye closed and wouldn't open again. I couldn't walk and when I spoke, my speech was slurred. My family was very scared. I was rushed to Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton where I was diagnosed with a disease called Myasthenia Gravis which occurs when muscles don't get the proper signals to move.

I was very weak and was put on heavy doses of a steroid, called prednisone, which resulted in my face, arms and body becoming very swollen. My neck couldn't hold up my head and I developed double vision. It was hard to smile or chew food because my facial muscles were so sore. I was told that only 16 children in Alberta have this disease. I cried every night and for half a year I lived in fear of what would happen. I was terrified that one day I would fall asleep and never wake up again.

In July I had a thymectomy, a surgery to remove my thymus gland, but the complications meant I had to remain in hospital on oxygen.

By September I had recovered successfully, and was able to go back to school part time. But life didn't get a lot better for me. I hadn't yet recovered emotionally.

It was about that time that we began conversations with Make-A-Wish^® of Northern Alberta. We quickly saw how caring they were. My dream was to be able to walk the red carpet at the Peoples Choice Awards. And Make-A-Wish made that happen for me. It was truly amazing.

I was sent to Los Angeles for the best week of my life. I felt I was whole again. They made me feel so normal. Make-A-Wish knows that our wish is to live and get better. They make us live by giving us something to live for. That is hope, and that's what they gave to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

More Celebrity Wishes

1. Kelly :

Jennifer, that was a well written account of your journey to better health and you do look healthy & fabulous!

2. Megan Wik:

You looked fabulous!!! Congrats on that! Hope you're doing okay!

3. Nikki love:

jennifer, that must have been horrible! it is nice to know that in the end you turned out ok :)