Jayse

This has been an incredibly tough year for 18-year-old Jayse. During the first month of the year, this teen was in the ICU with pneumonia and septic shock with a ventilator as his sidekick for 12 days. A rare genetic immune condition was the final result, but to figure it out Jayse’s immune system over-reacted and caused damage to eight of their major organs, forcing significant fevers, blood transfusions, feeding tubes, and relearning how to swallow and walk. A teenager suddenly facing these trials is unimaginable, but Jayse is incredibly resilient and a strong fighter. Jayse originally wished for a gaming computer, but after hearing about an opportunity to include the whole family on a trip to the Florida theme parks, the #1 wish was switched so everyone could participate. Jayse has two younger sisters, and this sweet teen was very deliberate in including them when considering wish options. As usual, our friends at Give Kids the World were excellent hosts, and afterwards they shared that a favorite for the whole family was the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster at EPCOT. They loved feeling like they were flying through space, and the awesome ’80s music was icing on the cake. Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure roller coaster in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was another favorite.  We’re so happy Jayse experienced a wonderful wish with family, and our hope is for continued health and recovery from a year they’ll never forget.