Make-A-Wish heart transplant patient surprised with Lego-themed trip
James jumps for joy upon learning Make-A-Wish Michigan granted his wish to attend Legoland in Orlando, Florida.
On Thursday morning, Children’s Hospital of Michigan patient James nearly jumped out of his shoes when he learned via a surprise announcement that his wish to go to Legoland and Universal Studios will be granted.
During the celebration at Children’s, Make-A-Wish Michigan will announce that James was the 12,000th Michigan wish kid to be granted a wish in the organization’s 40-year history.
James was scheduled to depart on a flight for Florida sometime Friday.
James was born with a heart condition and has had many surgeries and procedures in his lifetime, including undergoing a heart transplant in September of 2016.
James also endured a 201-day hospital stay at Children’s Hospital of Michigan last year due to complications.
During his long hospital stay, James captured the hearts of so many staff at Children’s Hospital of Michigan who got to know him and his family well.
Deep love for Legos
James and family were introduced to Make-A-Wish Michigan when their staff hosted a wish event at the hospital.
Upon meeting, James and his mom shared with Make-A-Wish his love for Legos and the countless hours he had spent in the hospital working on Lego kits.
James was finally discharged to go home on October 24, 2023.
He was then referred to Make-A-Wish® Michigan and qualified for a wish in February of 2024.
When he met with his wish-granting volunteers to discover his heartfelt wish, he even came prepared with a wish vision board that he made!
Bound for Legoland
Wish ideas he outlined included going to Legoland in Florida to have a Master Builder experience, seeing the Transformers at Universal Studios, and even some wish ideas for different Lego sets and items he wanted — some of which have been delivered to James along his wish journey as “wish boosts” to build anticipation, and some will be presented to him at the event!
After discovering his heartfelt wish, Make-A-Wish then got to work on the planning and behind-the-scenes details of his wish.
Make-A-Wish will make sure James’ Master Builder Experience at Legoland will come true, but also that while in Florida he and his family will receive park hopper passes to Universal Studios to see the Transformers, park hopper passes to Disney World (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios), and even tickets to Seaworld, among other opportunities.
‘Storybook’ resort
They will be staying at Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit located in the Orlando area that is an all-inclusive “storybook” resort exclusively for children and families on their wish trips.
For more information on Make-A-Wish Michigan and ways to get involved like becoming a monthly donor, volunteering, referring a child, and more, please visit Michigan.wish.org
To join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, visit www.GiftofLifeMichigan.org/donor
For more information about the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Heart Transplant Program, visit Heart Transplant Program | Children’s Hospital Michigan (childrensdmc.org) or call (313) 745-KIDS or toll free at (888) 362-2500.
Thank you to Children’s Hospital of Michigan Communications Professional Tammy Battaglia for contributing this article to SocialHouseNews.com.
