Meet wish kid, Zoe!

“I wish to go to my favorite Florida theme park!”

In 2023, Zoe’s wish was granted to travel to her favorite theme park in Florida! Zoe, 9, has had a tough journey battling a blood disorder. Zoe has been in the hospital 43 times, and just three weeks before her wish trip, she was in the hospital for 33 days.

“The hardest part of her journey was having to miss out on so much… She does not get to experience life as a child often,” said wish mom, Rachel.

100% of medical providers say that wishes improve a wish child's physical and mental well-being. Make-A-Wish Michigan was able to grant Zoe’s wish to help improve her health!

Zoe has a true love for magic!

Rachel said, "A video proclaiming 'the happiest place on earth' captivated her heart, and her affection for Harry Potter only added to her enthusiasm."

Zoe counted down every day leading up to her wish trip! Her week started with being picked up in a limo, which was just the start of the weeklong fun.

The nine-year-old wish kid and her family traveled to Florida, where she was treated like a princess.

“Nothing could have prepared me for Zoe’s wish experience. The pure joy and happiness were unmatchable,” said Rachel.

Zoe and her family were able to forget about the doctors’ appointments, labs, and hospitals for an entire week, spending their days at their favorite theme parks, and eating ice cream whenever they wanted!

Zoe experienced the magic of a wish. Wishes allow local kids to take a break from their critical illnesses and live like a kid!

“Thank you for giving us an opportunity to connect as a family again. It was truly once in a lifetime, and I can’t thank everyone involved enough. We are forever grateful.” From wish mom, Rachel.

Did you know that many companies match donations made to Make-A-Wish Michigan by their employees? If you make a monthly contribution of $19 or more a month, you can submit your receipt to your employer, so your gifts go further! We will also send you a limited-edition Make-A-Wish Michigan shirt with your first donation.??

Reach out to your human resources or community relations department for directions on how to submit your receipt. Do you have questions about expanding your corporate responsibilities, initiatives and employee engagements? Reach out to Sarah Benard at [email protected].?

You and your entire team can match Zoe, and together, we can create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.??

Thank you for your support!