If you’re like us, your heart cracks just a little every time you read one of our memorial stories, and this one will be no different. Writing a check for a memorial family is never easy. Behind each one is a staff, board, and donor base that cares about what that family is experiencing. A […]
Ten-month-old Dechlan was an incredibly loved baby who was cherished before he was born. His parents loved every unique thing about him including his dislike of snuggles, his determination to move until he passed out, and how he adored his big brother. Even his inability to sleep through the night. They shared that his sleeping schedule was
Dublin was born with a rare genetic disorder that impacted his heart, muscles, immune system and his growth. In April, he had a significant incident of seizing, which began a flurry of tests and therapies resulting in open-heart surgery. As he was recovering, a large arterial bleed took his life. Because of the onslaught of
At just 3 months old, little Alden breathed his last breath. He left behind two adoring parents and a big brother who was Alden’s best friend. A heart condition made Alden eligible for a wish, and that, coupled with renal failure, took his life. We were saddened to know that we wouldn’t be able to
In Annabelle’s mother’s words, she “is a fierce, funny, sweet forever 20-month-old little girl who loves unicorns, her Tonie box, and dad’s beard.” This little girl was a well-known patient around the hospital because of her extensive bow collection, beautifully decorated room, and her ‘growls!’ She had the sweetest growl when she played peekaboo, and
Gabrielle was born in August, the youngest of six children to Patrick & Dorsey. She was absolutely adored by her large family. This little fighter was born at just three pounds and in addition, she battled Edwards Syndrome. After two months in the hospital, she was able to go home and enjoy family time surrounded
Our Memorial program is more than just sending a check, it’s an opportunity for parents to share words about their precious child. It’s our pleasure to share these words even further than our office walls. “Even though Kelsey passed away, we will always use present tense talking about her because she is always in our
Cooper’s parents and his three older brothers eagerly awaited his birth. Although he had a prenatal diagnosis of a heart defect, they had faith that he would be okay and they showered him with love on his arrival. He was only two days old when he endured his first delicate surgery on his walnut-sized heart.
Nine-year-old Beau was a total outdoors kid. He especially loved fishing, baseball, and hockey. He also loved to learn new things and write stories. He would do many things in his free time, including help work outside with horses, ride around in the skid steer, work on vehicles, plow snow, and play video games. One
Frederick, or Freddy as his loving parents called him, had just made it to three months when he tragically passed away. This little angel loved being the little brother to his siblings Stella, Wallace and Edith; his favorite spot was in the arms of his Mommy; and he warmed his Daddy’s heart with his smile.
We had the pleasure of following Emmett’s medical journey from nearly the very beginning until the very end. This sweet boy came to Wishes & More about a year ago when he was waiting for a bone marrow transplant at Mayo. He had been diagnosed with a rare disease called XLP2, and his doctors expected
Gabby was born in 2020 in the height of COVID. She was an only child who was adored by her parents. She not only loved music, dancing and “reading” books, she also indulged in chocolate chip cookies and popcorn. Crafts, play-doh and bubbles were all at the top of her list; as well as her
One day shy of her six-month birthday Lolita’s parents had to say goodbye to their beautiful, blue-eyed baby girl. Lolita endured open heart surgery and a number of debilitating complications stemming from RSV. In the Memorial application, her parents poignantly wrote, “Lolita let her light shine brighter than the sun since the day she was born.
The Memorial program at Wishes & More is a financial grant to parents who lose a child. But it is more than a gift of money, it is a gift that comes from the heart of a community who cares and is symbolic of that community. We recently gave that support to the family of Sawyer,
MarcJon was a delightful young man with a vibrant personality. Unfortunately, he lost a battle with a very rare genetic condition called ROHHAD syndrome. Despite his struggles, MJ found enjoyment in many things including simply being outdoors, exploring parks, and connecting with nature. He also loved music and playtime and was known for sharing his
Seventeen-year-old Ellis was known for his infectious laugh and his kindness to others. He loved spending time with family and expressing his zest for life in many encouraging ways. His plans and dreams included enrolling in the US Military and ultimately becoming an inventor of video games and a pastor. All those dreams were shattered when he
Sixteen-year-old Chloe endured much in her lifetime as it was punctuated with many seizures and medical procedures to alleviate them. She overcame numerous obstacles and proved that her abilities far outweighed her disabilities. She enjoyed school and many activities, and her parents shared, “A day with Chloe was filled with sass, literal translations of the
Camille was born with a serious genetic disorder and as her parents celebrated her birth, they also received the devastating news that her life-expectancy was likely just a few months. This little fighter was absolutely adored by her parents and three siblings. She had numerous hospital visitors who were able to hold her and see her sweet
Precious Nora is the middle child of three. She grew up on a farm in western MN and was known and cherished by her family and friends as a Princess Farm Girl! She could often be found wearing high heels and a dress when she jumped on her bike or went for a Ranger ride
At three-months-old, Sawyer’s parents received the heartbreaking news that their perfect baby boy had a very rare neurological and degenerative disorder. His adoring Mom stayed home to be with him each and every day and gave him the best childhood she could! He loved the outdoors, hiking and spending time at a Park Reserve just
Recently, Wishes & More provided memorial funds to the parents of a precious 6-month-old. This little angel was the youngest of four sisters and brought an incredible amount of joy to her household from day one. Just days after enjoying her first Christmas, Ivanna took her final breath. Her heart wrenching obituary read, “Her wide
One-year-old Peter fought for his life every day that he lived. He not only had a very rare developmental condition, he also struggled with congenital heart disease and severe lung disease. The family thought they were going to lose him at 2-weeks-old and prepared themselves for the worst at that time – but he battled
Sharing stories of our memorial grants are always heartbreaking because each time the story ends with the passing of a child. However, Memorials gifts are an important service that we provide, and, to our knowledge, there is no other organization that provides these financial gifts to surviving parents. We also know that sharing the story
A few days after Dahlia was born, her adoring parents learned that she had signs and symptoms consistent with a rare genetic condition called Walker Warburg Syndrome – a congenital muscular dystrophy and muscle eye brain disease. Surgeries, breathing tubes, numerous tests & pokes, therapies and countless meetings with doctors, nurses and specialists all became
