Nine-year-old Millie’s name means gentle strength, and that describes her perfectly. Although at times she can be shy, she is full of courage. Millie is loving, kind, gentle, and mighty. She adores animals of all kinds, but dolphins hold a special place in her heart. Although she was born a healthy baby, around the time she turned one-month –old, things started to take a turn for the worse.
At this time, Millie developed a blistery rash that covered her head and face. The pediatricians were baffled, but diagnosed her with severe eczema and skin abscesses. As Millie grew older, more mysterious and serious symptoms would arise. She struggled with frequent pneumonia and life-threatening infections, bone breaks, hypermobility, a constant cough, recurring illnesses, and retained baby teeth. Her family tried to get a diagnosis for four years. They brought Millie to specialist after specialist, and saw naturopathic and homeopathic doctors. Millie had CT scans, MRIs, and too many pokes to count.
Finally, in 2022, Millie received her diagnosis: she had an exceedingly rare genetic disorder. “We were relived to finally have a diagnosis, but the news was very heavy. We know that this is something Millie will never grow out of, there is no cure, or great treatment options, and it will be a lifelong struggle,” explained her mom, Pamela.
Then came a prescription they weren’t expecting – Millie’s most heartfelt wish – to go to Mexico to swim with dolphins.
While on her wish trip, Millie and her family enjoyed swimming with dolphins. They made sure to take lots of photos to capture the memories of a lifetime. Millie’s wish trip has “given her a newfound confidence and a strong passion for animals. She wants to rescue animals someday or be a dolphin trainer,” explained Pamela. “Having Millie’s wish come true helped everyone in our family feel lighter about Millie’s medical journey. When you’re a child, medicine can often feel like the enemy because it initially can make you feel worse. Millie’s wish gave her hope of better things to come; medicine alone can’t do that.”
Hear from Millie
About Wishes Are Medicine
Wishes Are Medicine. They are a vital part of a child’s treatment journey, helping restore strength, hope, and resilience when it’s needed most. Research shows that a prescribed wish can improve adherence to treatment, reduce emergency room visits, and deliver lasting health benefits. With the help of generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and partners across the country, we are committed to granting the wish of every eligible child.
