Bright and energetic 18-year-old Lindsey from the Baltimore area was living a normal teenage life until she was diagnosed last year with a life-threatening medical condition. With the help of teams and social workers from the University of Maryland, she was introduced to Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of the Mid-Atlantic and was excited and overwhelmed when her wish to go to Australia was granted.

Lindsey’s trip started with a limo ride to the airport. In Sydney, her experience was a dream come true when she was able to watch the sunset from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and explore the rainforest where she hung out with koalas, kangaroos and wallabies. How-ever, the most exciting part of her trip was her swimming adventure where she snorkeled alongside sea turtles in the Great Barrier Reef.

Lindsay’s wish to go to Australia was simple, “I’ve always dreamed of going.” This once-in-a-lifetime experience has also made an impact on Lindsey’s future to become a social worker to help others like those who have helped her.