Laura

Laura was born with a congenital heart condition (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) that typically shows itself in the teen years and for Laura, it struck strong and quickly progressed at age 15. In April 2019, Laura had her first open heart surgery to lessen the thickness of the wall of her heart; however, two years later, she was put on the heart transplant list. Laura graduated from high school and just began college life at UMD in the fall of 2021 when she received the call that a heart was available. Laura received her new heart in September of 2021 and after months recovery, she was thrilled to meet with our volunteer Wish Wizards and talk about potential wish opportunities. It was a difficult decision, but after thinking about her options, she landed on a trip to Kauai, Hawaii. Just a few weeks ago, Laura and her family took off on her magical wish and came back with several highlights from the trip; including, the special treatment from our friends at Delta Air Lines, the AMAZING donated 6-night-stay at the Koloa Landing Resort, a helicopter ride/tour, a few snorkeling adventures, swimming under a waterfall, drinking fresh coconut water, seeing a sea turtle release, a luau and a fishing trip for Dad & brother who caught a Mahi Mahi! They even got to celebrate her 19th birthday on the trip! The entire trip was a dream come true for Laura and her adoring family. Mom summed it up by ending her lovely thank you with, “This was so needed after the past year and this trip exceeded every expectation I had for it, Laura too. It was phenomenal.” Wishing Laura continued health and healing, and success at college in the Fall at UMD!