I wish to go to my favourite theme park
Berwin, 9
congenital heart disease
Berwin was born with atrial septal defect (ASD) and chronic lung disease. His parents chose to opt out of a four-step surgery plan when he was a baby, after being told that there was only a 50-50 survival rate.
“[This was] the hardest decision of our lives,” Berwin’s mom, Hazel, shared. “We were so devastated, hopeless, and it affected our whole well-being. As a mom, I felt like I was walking in the dark and I didn’t know where to go and what to do.” For the first year of his life, Berwin spent most of his days in the hospital.
Today, Berwin is doing well. He is living with down syndrome and is unable to verbally communicate, but can communicate by pointing or leading you to what he wants. “Watching Berwin grow and develop was proof of a living miracle,” Hazel shared. His parents helped determine his most heartfelt wish based on his interests. They knew that going to a Florida theme park would bring him the most joy. When Berwin was struggling with his health in the hospital, Hazel kept reminding him that they will soon be experiencing the magic the theme parks have to offer.
Berwin’s wish allowed him and his family to have something positive to focus on and look forward to.
