Deven

Deven has endured the unimaginable… twice. He is a 16-year-old battling osteosarcoma, a diagnosis he previously beat and has now returned. He originally chose his wish-come-true based his perpetual craving for conch, a love he discovered on a recent trip to the Bahamas. As we began planning his wish experience, we knew he needed rest and relaxation more than anything. Thankfully, we achieved both! His wish to visit the Florida Keys came true over Christmas last year. Deven’s mom shared that his medical journey has been wrought with feelings of isolation. Not only was this wish trip restorative, but the whole family felt normal for the first time since his second diagnosis. She shared that it was such a blessing to be able to simply relax. Relax on the beach they certainly did, and they smattered in some of the must-sees of Key West (the Conch Republic) and Islamorada. They ate conch at almost every restaurant they visited, took two conch-themed train rides, fished for their dinner on a half-day fishing charter (courtesy of Captain Alex Canalej), and enjoyed a complimentary meal at the historic Sloppy Joe’s. Deven is also a big fan of cats, so he loved meeting some of the famous and federally protected six-toed cats of the Hemingway House. Thanks to Pier House Resort & Spa for providing Deven and his family with a spacious and perfectly situated suite. Thanks also to Delta, who kicked off the trip with royal treatment to this deserving teen: a visit to the Sky Lounge and a Porsche ride on the tarmac! Deven had scans last week and should be learning more about where he’s at in his fight against cancer. Please join us in thinking of him and wishing him all the health and happiness needed to recover in 2026.