Wishing Well Wishing Well - Summer Edition | Page 7

Ellen and Alex excited before
swimming with dolphins! One
of many special experiences
they shared on Alex's wish.

A WISH GRANTED IS THE GREATEST GIFT
Here Ellen tells us how quickly everything changed
for her family, and how you and Make-A-Wish made
a life-changing difference.

“

Life changed forever for our family when my
older brother, Simon, was diagnosed with rare
metabolic condition, Danon disease.

little shy with his emotions but a couple of weeks before
the trip he and I were talking about it and he stopped,
looked at me and said, ‘I really am excited Ellen!’

Danon disease is genetic so the whole family had to be
tested. Me and dad were given the all clear; however
mum and my younger brother, Alex, aged 12, were
diagnosed with the same life-threatening condition.
Devastatingly the disease claimed Simon’s life in 2012
– just 12 months after his diagnosis.

The wish was full of special activities we all enjoyed, but
there was more to the experience than just that.

After learning of Make-A-Wish from a volunteer, Alex
made his wish – to go to the Gold Coast Theme Parks
– and in no time planning was underway!
When we found out that Alex’s wish was going to be
granted we were overjoyed. Alex has always been a

I wanted to let you know that I have no doubt that, short
of a cure, having a wish granted is truly the greatest gift
you can give a sick child and their family.
So thank you for your support. ■

“

Although life would never be the same and the future
was uncertain, we tried our best to enter 2013 positively.
And that is where Make-A-Wish came in – a shining
light at the end of a dark tunnel!

Knowing we had Alex’s wish to look forward to
got us through many tough and stressful times. The
effect of the wish went further than just giving Alex
and us a wonderful time. I will never forget standing
at the end of the driveway with my extended
family, all of us on the verge of tears following
the wish. It meant so much to them too. Finally
something overwhelmingly positive was happening to
our family.