Make-A-Wish® Illinois Chapter

Dylan

New Zealand

Dylan is a determined teenager who loves the outdoors and the Lord of the Rings. Dylan's wish granting volunteers worked with him to combine his love for the wilderness and adventure travel to plan a once in a lifetime trip to the North Island of New Zealand. Dylan and his family visited the Hobbiton Movie Set where the Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit films were created.

To satisfy his adventurous side, Dylan and his family rafted on a grade five whitewater river run where they endured fourteen drops - including a seven meter waterfall - through the magnificent bush-lined gorge. They rappelled alongside a guide 100 meters into the Lost World, a spectacular dry cavern where they saw rare plants and formations.

Dylan (center) with siblings Kelsey (left) and Drew (right) at Cathedral Cove in Coramendal.

Dylan has battled two separate diagnoses his entire life. Born without a pulmonary valve, he has endured multiple heart surgeries and will need to undergo more in the coming year. His illness requires him to miss school quite a bit but he remains an outstanding student. He also was diagnosed with a metabolic bone disease that created frequent fractures and broken bones.

Defying the odds, Dylan has continued with his adventurous upbeat determination and continues to enjoy track and soccer and other sports during his senior year of high school.

Dylan's wish is being celebrated as part of World Wish Day, the global celebration of wish granting, on April 29, where wishes will be granted in 36 countries served by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

World Wish Day is organized by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to commemorate the anniversary of the wish that inspired the creation of what is now one of the world's leading children's charities. Seven-year-old Chris Greicius' wish to be a police officer was granted in Phoenix by volunteers from several law-enforcement agencies on April 29, 1980. 

Chris' legacy continues today with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois.  

"Granting children's wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation is a rallying point for people around the globe," said Stephanie Springs, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois Chief Executive Officer. "It unifies everyone in a common cause, to bring hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. We want our communities to join in that spirit by celebrating Dylan's wish on World Wish Day."

"World Wish Day recognizes the global appeal of our mission and making life better for seriously ill children by granting their fondest wishes," Springs said. "People can help wishes come true for other children like Dylan in Morton, Illinois every day, and it's easier than they think."

Share the power of a wish^® on World Wish Day by referring your child, making a donation, giving unused frequent flier miles and hotel reward points or simply spreading the word about the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Visit http://www.wishes.org/ to learn more.