After a devastating cancer diagnosis, Michael spent his days undergoing treatment and dreaming of being able to return to his normal life. Now, more than 30 years after his wish, Michael gives back to help kids just like him.
“I probably have more memories of my wish than the five years of treatment and chemotherapy,” said Michael, who traveled to Walt Disney World with his family when he was 5 years old.
In fact, just looking forward to his wish gave Michael hope after cancer took away his childhood.
Michael wished to go to Walt Disney World because he often watched Disney movies when he was in the hospital and he’d never been there before - and the trip was everything he imagined.
“I remember getting picked up by the limo and the driver did the Donald Duck voice the whole way there,” he said with a laugh. “We had front-of-the-line passes for every ride and going to the theme parks and having breakfast with the characters are such positive memories for me now, even all these years later.”
Today, Michael is a volunteer and member of the Make-A-Wish Arizona Wishmakers Council, helping children experience a wish just like he did.
“Now I have the chance to give someone else the same happy memories that I had and I’m grateful that I can give that back to someone else.”
Michael, wish granted 1989
“I decided to become a volunteer to see what I could do to give back because of everything I’d heard about the organization and the experiences I remember from my wish,” said Michael.
While Make-A-Wish has grown to be a worldwide organization, Michaelbeleives ithasn’tchanged much sincehis wish was granted.
“I haven’t found this kind of connection at most other places I’ve worked or volunteered,” said Michael. “Now I have the chance to give someone else the same happy memories that I had and I’m grateful that I can give that back to someone else.”
