I Wish to Go to Banff
Adah, 17
Kidney Transplant
When Adah was just nine years old, she was diagnosed with kidney disease, leading to months of hospital stays, dialysis, and eventually a kidney transplant. Her family was often separated during this difficult time. “Hospital stays meant time away from the family,” said her mom, Sarah.
Now 17, Adah’s health has improved, and she wished for something more: a chance to create lasting memories with her family. “I wish to go to Banff,” she said. This wish wasn’t just about a vacation; it was about experiencing the beauty of nature and reconnecting with her loved ones in a way they hadn’t been able to during her illness.
Wishes like Adah’s are more than just a break from illness. They’re essential for healing. Studies show that 95% of healthcare providers agree that a wish improves a child’s physical well-being, while 100% say it boosts their quality of life. Adah’s wish gave her the strength and hope to continue her recovery.
The trip to Banff was nothing short of magical. Canoeing on Lake Louise, hiking Johnston Canyon, and swimming in the pristine waters were unforgettable highlights. “There were moments surrounded by beautiful lakes and mountains when the magnitude of this gift was truly felt,” Sarah shared. Being together in such a breathtaking place was a dream come true.
Adah’s favourite things, like swimming, walking, and spending time with her family, made the trip even more special. “I love the beach and swimming,” she said, and this experience allowed her to enjoy both, surrounded by nature’s beauty.
“The caring people at Make-A-Wish really go out of their way to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Sarah said. This gift helped not only Adah but also her siblings, Thomas and Maya, who had long worried about their sister.
Wishes are crucial to recovery. Every two hours, a child is diagnosed with a critical illness in Canada, and not all of them receive a wish. Your support helps Make-A-Wish Canada continue to provide these life-changing experiences, offering families like Adah the strength they need to face the toughest challenges.
“Thank you so much for everything you do for kids and their families,” Sarah added. “Our family will always remember your kindness.”
