5+ Unique Wishes In Our History

When there are no limits, imagination takes center stage. Over the past 30 years, Wish Kids in this chapter have dreamed up some of the most extraordinary and unexpected wishes—ones that reflect their passions, creativity, and sense of adventure.

Every wish is powerful, but some stand out for their originality and the sheer joy they bring. From incredible experiences to dreams that have never been wished before, these wishes prove that anything is possible with a little imagination and a lot of heart.

Join us as we revisit some of the most unique wishes in the history of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida™!

Wish Kid Holin standing next to poster of Kelsea Ballerini

Holin’s Star-Studded Wish

Born with five heart defects and a rare form of epilepsy, Holin faced numerous health challenges from an early age, including multiple open-heart surgeries and ongoing treatments. Despite these obstacles, her passion for singing and love for country music remained unwavering.

At nearly five years old, Holin’s heartfelt wish was to sing alongside country music star Kelsea Ballerini. This dream came true when she not only met her idol but also performed on stage with her, creating a memorable experience that celebrated her resilience and love for music.

Inspired by her wish experience, Holin has channeled her love for music into philanthropy. For years, she and her family have organized the annual Happy Holin-Days concert, a holiday event aimed at raising funds for children with critical illnesses. This concert not only showcases Holin’s enduring passion for singing but also her commitment to giving back, turning her unique wish into a platform to support and inspire others facing similar challenges.

Grace’s Acting Wish

Grace is a vibrant teenager who loves playing video games, dancing in her room, and spending time with her dog, Bella. An active participant in her local community theater, Grace has always dreamed of becoming an actress. However, she faces significant health challenges, including Crohn’s colitis and chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), a rare autoimmune disorder causing bone pain and stress fractures. These conditions have led to numerous hospital visits, surgeries, and treatments over the past five years.

Determined to bring her dream to life, Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida collaborated with director Robin Hoffman to create a unique opportunity for Grace. Instead of a simple acting role, they produced a short film titled “SpecialTee,” with Grace as the star. The project featured several of her favorite internet personalities, including TikTok comedian Justin Loncar and YouTuber Evan Hufferd, enhancing the experience beyond her expectations.

To celebrate her debut, Make-A-Wish organized a red-carpet premiere. Arriving in a limousine, Grace was greeted by fans and photographers, making her feel like a true Hollywood star. Grace’s wish not only fulfilled her acting aspirations but also provided a significant emotional boost, empowering her to face her health challenges with renewed strength and confidence.

Wish Kid Caleb as a Buffalo Bill for a day

Caleb’s NFL Wish

At 17, Caleb was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Throughout his journey, Caleb remained resilient and found solace in his passion for football, particularly his admiration for the Buffalo Bills.

In June 2023, Caleb’s dream became a reality. He was signed as an official member of the Buffalo Bills for a day, complete with his own jersey. Caleb participated in team activities, including calling plays during practice and even playing video games with quarterback Josh Allen. A highlight of his experience was receiving a standing ovation from the team, making him feel truly welcomed.

This unique wish provided Caleb with an unforgettable experience, offering joy and hope during a challenging time. His story exemplifies the profound impact that fulfilling a heartfelt wish can have on a young person’s life.

Wyatt’s Sweet Wish

When six-year-old Wyatt was diagnosed with leukemia, it was a devastating moment for his family. But through the ups and downs of treatment, Wyatt’s strength and positivity became a guiding light—he was determined to keep looking on the bright side, not just for himself, but for the people who loved him.

So when it came time to make his wish, Wyatt didn’t hesitate—he wanted to be an ice cream man and bring joy to others. Make-A-Wish custom-fitted an ice cream truck just for him, complete with personalized signs, napkins, and all his favorite frozen treats. On his big day, Wyatt took to the streets, handing out free ice cream to his entire neighborhood, who showed up in droves to support their local hero.

Wyatt’s wish wasn’t just about ice cream—it was about spreading happiness. Even while facing his own battle, he chose a wish that let him give back to others, proving that true strength isn’t just about fighting through the hard days—it’s about finding ways to bring joy, no matter the circumstances.

Charlotte’s Magical Wish

Like many kids, Charlotte loved unicorns—but unlike most, she dreamed of actually meeting one in real life. It was a wish that seemed impossible… until Make-A-Wish made it happen.

At just five years old, Charlotte was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia, a rare and life-threatening condition that left her spending months in the hospital, undergoing treatments and ultimately receiving a bone marrow transplant. As the days passed, her once bright spirit dimmed. But when she found out that Make-A-Wish was going to grant her wish to meet a unicorn, everything changed—she had something magical to look forward to.

Her adventure began with a princess-themed stay at The Ritz-Carlton, where she was treated like royalty. Then, the moment she had been waiting for arrived—she came face-to-face with a real unicorn. With a shimmering horn and a flowing mane of flowers, Charlotte’s unicorn stood ready to greet her. She rode, hugged, and whispered to her new friend, soaking in every second of the fairytale moment.

Of course, the unicorn wasn’t actually magic—it was a horse beautifully dressed as one. But to Charlotte, none of that mattered. What mattered was that her wildest dream had come true. That’s the power of Make-A-Wish—giving kids the freedom to dream big, no matter how impossible it may seem, and proving that with a little creativity and a lot of heart, magic can be real after all.

Brielle’s Wintery Wish

In Florida, snowflakes don’t usually fall, and winter wonderlands exist only in movies. But for Brielle, Make-A-Wish made the impossible happen.

Diagnosed with Alexander’s Disease, a rare degenerative brain condition, Brielle has faced challenges that most children never have to endure. Yet, through it all, she has defied the odds, exceeding expectations and continuing to bring joy to those around her. Despite her daily struggles, Brielle’s spirit remains bright, and her love for the magic of winter inspired her one-of-a-kind wish—to experience a winter wonderland right in her own backyard.

With the help of Make-A-Wish and an incredible community, Brielle’s dream became reality. Snow covered the ground, twinkling lights surrounded her, and she was transported into a real-life winter paradise. Friends, family, and neighbors came together to celebrate, sharing in the joy of a moment that meant so much more than just a wish. It was a reminder that magic exists—not just in snowflakes and holiday lights, but in the love and support of those who rally around us.

For Brielle and her family, this wasn’t just a single day of happiness—it was a new beginning, filled with cherished memories and the unwavering belief that, with a little hope, even the most impossible dreams can come true.

 

Turning Impossible Dreams Into Reality

Every wish granted by Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida is more than just a moment of joy—it’s a life-changing experience that brings hope, strength, and unforgettable memories to children and their families. Whether it’s meeting a unicorn, stepping onto the football field, or bringing snow to Florida, these wishes prove that no dream is too big and no challenge is too great when kindness, generosity, and a little magic come together.

But none of this happens without supporters like you. Every donation, every volunteer, and every advocate helps turn wishes into reality for children facing critical illnesses. You don’t need to be a celebrity or have a magic wand to make a difference—you just need a heart willing to help.

Join us in bringing more dreams to life. Donate, volunteer, or get involved today with Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida, and be part of the magic that changes lives, one wish at a time.