Jaime's fascination with the animal kingdom began at a young age. He wasn't just a casual admirer; he was an animal lover through and through. His days were filled with exploring the world of creatures big and small, from lions to tortoises.
"He gets giddy when anyone mentions animals," said Leticia, his mother.
Life took an unexpected turn for Jaime when he began kindergarten. A cancer diagnosis cast a shadow over his bright-eyed enthusiasm.
"It's been quite an emotional ride for us. He's endured chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant. His little sister, Cat, was his bone marrow donor. We call them bone marrow buddies," said Leticia.
During this time, Jaime was referred to Make-A-Wish Arizona for a once-in-a-lifetime wish. Finding out he qualified was an instant boost to his well-being. It was no surprise that Jaime, the ultimate animal enthusiast, wished to visit the San Diego Zoo, where he could see all the animals that captured his heart through countless documentaries and books.
"It was exciting for Jaime to look forward to his wish. It motivated him to keep working on his physical therapy to build stamina to see all the animals at the zoo," said Leticia.
The anticipation of his wish added a sparkle back to his laughter and an undeniable twinkle to his eyes.
"I felt energized and excited when I thought about my wish coming true!" laughed Jaime.
Jaime's visit to the San Diego Zoo & Aquarium was extraordinary. The zoo staff gave him a private tour, allowing him to get up close and personal with the animals, even feeding the tortoises. His favorite, the Komodo dragon, left a lasting impression.
"My favorite animal was the Komodo dragon!" said Jaime.
The adventure continued beyond the zoo's gates as Jaime enjoyed the local beaches, collecting shells, exploring the shallows and watching mesmerizing sunsets.
"The wish trip gave Jaime a chance to be a kid again. Watching him play and laugh made my heart full — there was so much joy that week. It was nothing short of pure bliss," said Leticia.
Looking back on the experience, Jaime's wish had a profound physical and emotional impact.
"He accomplished incredible progress we hadn't thought possible. When we returned home, it was as if he had brought back a newfound confidence. He now approaches strangers with ease, confidently answering questions about his wish,” said Leticia. “This transformation left us in awe of how the wish gave him self-assurance and comfort in his own skin. I will never be able to express my gratitude for what this wish gave Jaime and our family."
