When you support Make-A-Wish Michigan, you ensure that our mission is carried out in the following key areas:
Strength
Journey of A Wish – James
James is a joyful, creative, and kind-hearted young boy who has faced more challenges than most his age—but never let them define him. From building amazing Lego creations to pretending he’s Optimus Prime during difficult hospital visits, James has inspired everyone around him with his resilience and love. This video follows James’ incredible journey through years of cardiac treatments, the unwavering support of his family and medical team, and the life-changing moment his wish to visit Legoland came true.
Thanks to our remarkable Make-A-Wish Michigan community, this journey was one of unforgettable memories, hope and joy for James and his family.
Hope
Meet Ava
When 11-year-old Ava began dreaming up her perfect wish, she knew it had to involve her favorite animal—an otter. With help from Make-A-Wish Michigan and a unique partnership with Nurtured by Nature in San Diego, Ava’s dream came to life in the most playful, joy-filled way imaginable. From giggling through otter cuddles to petting elephants and celebrating “YES Day” with her family, Ava’s wish became so much more than a trip—it was a powerful moment of healing, choice, and pure happiness.
Ava’s story is a reminder of how one life-changing wish can help a child rediscover hope, even amid a critical illness.
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After considering many wish options, Ava decided on one to include meeting her favorite animal, an otter. Make-A-Wish® Michigan went straight to work and coordinated with Nurtured by Nature to give Ava an otterly extraordinary, face-to-face encounter with some adorable critters. A partnering nonprofit organization in San Diego, Nurtured by Nature, is committed to animal conservancy worldwide, with a focus on wish-granting.
“Oh my gosh, it was the best day of my life, but they [otters] have no boundaries. They kept swimming around my neck and trying to put their fingers in my nose and ears. They even tried to swim down my bathing suit,” Ava says laughing.
A sloth, foxes, and a capybara were among the other critters she met that day. “I think the capybara was my favorite. It was like holding a little potato with feet. They are so adorable,” Ava giggles.
While in San Diego, Ava made the most of her time. She received a VIP tour at the San Diego Zoo, where she pet an elephant, met a zookeeper and vet, and fed bananas to monkeys. She observed wild sea lions at a public beach, found sea urchins in tide pools, and celebrated ‘YES’ day with her family. Within reason, YES was the answer of the day. Shopping, ice cream as an appetizer, and a sushi picnic in the hotel room were among the highlights.
Jennifer, Ava’s mom, shares, “This was an incredible trip to celebrate her health and spend time together as a family, and one we could never duplicate. Cancer makes you feel so powerless, and sick kids have a lot of choices taken away. When Ava learned she was receiving a wish, a choice was given back to her. The process of choosing [a wish] felt empowering, [and provided] happiness and something positive to focus on…and the nurses and therapists were really great talking with her about it during some of the tough times.”
While receiving proton therapy at Corewell Health William Beaumont Hospital, the staff was instrumental in keeping Ava upbeat. With daily visits, the staff made long, 12-hour treatment days bearable. Knowing Ava began learning guitar through music therapy, one staff member brought her guitar from home and played with her during treatment. “It helped to pass the time quickly and made it not feel so bad,” says Jennifer.
Where is Ava now? She says she is “feeling great and starting 7th grade in the fall. I love music and played my first open mic set. It was amazing! I am so thankful for Make-A-Wish Michigan and a trip I will remember forever.”
Jennifer adds, “We are just so appreciative to everyone who has a part in Make-A-Wish Michigan, including Ava’s wish volunteers who were especially kind to her. It’s an unbelievably special organization, and I know it couldn’t happen without the commitment of so many.”
Transformation
Meet Jayce
Before Jayce ever took his first breath, his fight for life had already begun. Born premature and diagnosed with kidney disease, Jayce spent his earliest days in a NICU. Surgeries, hospital stays, and dialysis shaped his early childhood. One thing always lit up his world—fire trucks. When Jayce finally received a life-changing kidney transplant, it marked the beginning of a new chapter—and the moment he could finally dream.
With help from Make-A-Wish Michigan, Jayce became a firefighter for a day, complete with sirens, gear, and a badge. His story is one of extraordinary resilience and the transformational power of a wish.
Community
Jude’s Wish to Give Back
At just 15 years old, Jude faced a life-changing diagnosis: a brain tumor. While enduring months of treatment in the hospital, he noticed something heartbreaking—many of the kids around him didn’t have the same support he did. So when Make-A-Wish Michigan offered Jude the chance to have a wish of his own, he chose to give it away.
His heartfelt request? To bring Christmas in July to children in Michigan hospitals. Jude’s generosity turned into a statewide celebration, delivering joy, gifts, and a much-needed escape for children fighting critical illnesses.
Through his wish, Jude found a new kind of healing—not just for himself, but for everyone who experienced the magic his compassion made possible.
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