mikeHanging with Hakeem , a 14-year-old child full of smiles but suffering from bone cancer, was my first “wish child”. I was nervous as my partner and I were invited into the family home, not knowing what to expect.

Within moments, Hakeem and his family put me at ease.. Yet, amazingly, this family who had two very sick children only wanted us to feel comfortable and welcomed. The family invited my partner and me to share a traditional Moroccan meal. Despite dealing with a practicably incomprehensible situation of caring for two sick children, Hakeem’s parents were solicitous of me and my partner and asked us about our families. Quite simply, their hospitality overwhelmed me. Hakeem wants to use his wish to explore the world, in particular Italy. As he we talked, however, it was clear that despite his youth, Hakeem was wise beyond his years. He loves to tour and learn about the history of the places he wants to visit. I shared some of my experiences traveling abroad with him and he enjoyed hearing about my adventures. He spoke openly about his illness, but never perceived it as an obstacle to learn as much as he could about other countries. I found out that we shared many of the same interests including a love of sports, cookies and cream ice cream, snacking on candy and watching the movie Harry Potter.

Despite his illness, Hakeem had all the normal interests and aspirations as a healthy teenager. As I left the home that evening, I not only felt good about the possibility that I could help to make this child’s dream come true, but I realized I had benefited, from the experience as well. Each person has some aspect of their life that they would like to change. This experience reaffirmed something that I knew intellectually, but somehow along the way had forgotten to really appreciate. Whether one is going through an illness or some other personal challenges, doing something to help another human being puts your problems into perspective and reminds you that there is always hope. I am sorry that it took an illness of a child to remind me of this essential truth, but, I am proud to be able to be a part of a group that is proactive in helping to bring joy into the lives of these great kids.