“Our” Maddie prides herself on her honest opinions, quick wit, and tasteful sass. We first met her a few years ago when she was diagnosed with leukemia in her junior year of high school. We call her “our Maddie” because she has been in the process of her wish since that time as she struggled to determine what her most fervent wish may be. We stood by as she completed treatment and rode the high of being cancer-free. Knowing she would only be able to have one special wish, she spent a lot of time dreaming about what that wish would be and we all felt the devastation last summer when she relapsed. She underwent a bone marrow transplant and felt great in the weeks following the transplant, but unfortunately became very ill at the end of last year. She spent over 100 nights in the hospital, many of those days in excruciating pain, intubated, and unable to keep anything in her stomach. Suddenly, she gained clarity on what her wish was and it was to visit the tranquility and beauty of Hawaii. This young lady needed to feel the joy and freedom of a luxurious vacation, and as soon as her doctor approved a visit to Maui – Wishes & More knew we had to kick her wish into high gear and make it happen! Mom told us that Maddie regularly watched the live webcam feed of the ocean to dream about the escape she would have and we scheduled the trip and friends and family committed to join her – everyone’s fingers were crossed that she would gain the strength to go.
The day before the wish came and we received the official call from her medical team giving the final approval for her to travel! Maddie felt amazing and her counts rose well beyond their typical average – the miracle of a WISH! Apart from one appointment, she was truly in paradise… FREE from needles, blood transfusions, temperature checks, doctors, hospitals, and stress. The relaxing atmosphere of the resort, unmatched care of the Sheraton Maui team, and the simple luxuries of spending time on the beautiful island gave Maddie much-needed healing. As you can see from her photos, Maddie enjoyed time with extended friends and family, experienced a Luau compliments of Tahiti Productions, Ltd., and spent lots of time in the water and on the beach! Mahalo, Hawaii, for Maddie’s magnificent Maui wish!
