Wish kid Molly is a thinker. She likes to consider all her options, and she takes her time to answer questions because she wants her answer to be thoughtful and correct.  

That is why her wish was a big deal. 

“We had no idea what Make-A-Wish even was. My doctors signed me up for it, and I was really surprised that people would put so much money into giving kids like me wishes,” said Molly, who had surgery for a hole in her heart when she was 12.

Since that time, her health has improved, making it easier for her to consider amazing adventures when she thought about her wish. 

“I started thinking about going to the national parks because I like nature, and I like to go camping and fishing,” said Molly. “I did some research, and I heard that the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone were really gorgeous this time of year, and we could do some fishing.”

Molly wished for an RV adventure to the two national parks. And it would all happen the week of her 15th birthday. 

“I thought I would see some of the geysers and go fishing, maybe see some animals, but it was so much more,” said Molly.

She and her family saw Old Faithful, as well as some bison and other animals, but it was the little extras she didn’t expect that really stood out.

“We went white-water rafting. It was pretty cold, but I’ve never been before, and it was fun,” said Molly. “On my birthday, we went fly-fishing and then to the chuckwagon to have a nice dinner. We got to fish from a boat instead of the shore, and the guide gave me a new rod and a tacklebox. It was more than I ever expected.”

Molly's wish created a lasting impact far beyond one week, and it even shaped her mindset moving forward. According to Molly’s mother, Charissa, the experience made Molly feel extra special.

“It just seemed like every time we turned around Make-A-Wish or one of the vendors they sent us to would do something extra, finding a way to make Molly feel special, to make us all feel special,” said Charissa. “Molly isn’t one to speak up and say what she wants, but during her whole wish process, Make-A-Wish would really focus on her, and that made the trip even better.” 

“I think that now, when I’m thinking things through, I start to consider what I like too,” said Molly. “I think that was because of my wish. Oh, and I’ve become a slightly better fisher too.”