Lauren, a twelve-year-old from South Dakota, was diagnosed with localized Ewing’s Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer usually found in children and young adults, affecting her left pelvic bone. Before we met Lauren, she had spent many months over the past year undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. Lauren’s place of retreat is her grandparents’ cabin in Okoboji, Iowa, where her family spends almost every weekend. It was no surprise when our Wish Wizards learned that Lauren’s wish revolved around her haven; her number one wish was for a boat for tubing, skiing, and knee-boarding on the blue waters of Lake Okoboji.
Two Wishes & More volunteers, along with Oak Hill Marina, presented Lauren her new boat, a Maxum 1800 SR3, on June 2 in Okoboji. Lauren’s biggest dream had come true, and the smile on her face showed her delight. The excitement was heightened when she was surprised with bold letters reading “Lauren’s Wish” on the back of the boat. Along with the boat, Lauren was provided with an entire package that included shirts, a tube, and flotation devices. That afternoon, the family was able to go for a boat ride and tubing, thrilling Lauren. Before taking off, Captain Ron Baack of Oak Hill Marina, gave a demonstration regarding proper boat operation out on the water. Lauren and her family have already enjoyed some warm, sunny days spent tubing and knee-boarding with the new watercraft, and anticipate many more weekends enjoying time on the boat together.
