Joe was visiting his girlfriend when suddenly he couldn't breathe. His girlfriend called 911, and he was rushed to the hospital. It was discovered that he had a tumor that ruptured an artery. Joe has a rare form of cancer and has undergone six rounds of chemo, with two more to come. He will receive proton therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital before having the tumor and a rib removed, followed by more radiation and chemo.

Joe is a bright, optimistic kid who loves life and stays positive no matter what. One of his favorite hobbies is soccer, and he enjoys it whenever he can. He spends a lot of time with his girlfriend and family, who are his biggest supporters. Joe's wish is to attend one of The Weeknd's upcoming concerts—he has some of his best memories from concerts and wants to make even more unforgettable moments with his family.

In July 2024, Emerson was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer after experiencing severe side pain while breathing at summer camp. Three days later, her tumor ruptured, filling her lungs with blood requiring life-saving surgery. Since then, she's faced multiple rounds of chemotherapy, a tumor removal surgery, and is now undergoing daily radiation therapy. Her family is hoping for a positive outcome.

Emerson has a wonderful group of friends who have supported her every step of the way. She loves playing soccer, spending time with her family in Newport. Her interest include art, sports, games, animals, and food. She is excited for dream cruise to the Bahamas. This special trip will give her the chance to relax, have fun, and make unforgettable memories with her family.

Charlie began having recurrent stomach pain in the 4th grade. His parents initially thought it was due to the nerves of switching schools. During a 5th grade school event, Charlie suddenly vomited and experienced excruciating pain. He was transported to Hasbro, where he was admitted for testing due to elevated inflammation markers. At almost 11 years old, Charlie was diagnosed with Severe Crohn's Disease. He now receives infusions every five weeks.

Charlie is an active and creative young man who loves riding his bike and playing basketball. He loves woodworking and dreams of turning it into his future career. As part of his wish, Charlie is excited to pick out new tools to help build up his personal workshop and take the first steps toward that goal. Charlie also enjoys playing the flute, staying stylish, and gaming. His wish is for a shopping spree to pick out clothes, shoes, a Nintendo Switch 2, and more!

In June 2024, Indy was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery to remove a brain tumor when she was only 3 years old where she needed sedation. By August, she had finished radiation and started chemo.

In September, Indy was rushed to the ICU. In October, she had a stroke with several brain blood clots found. She was moved to rehab as she couldn't talk, had weakness on her left side, couldn't sit up on her own, and a feeding tube was placed. She is improving but has a long road to recovery.

Ianna contracted a serious heart condition during COVID, leading to a 5 ½-month hospital stay and numerous procedures. After being given a 30% chance of survival, she was transferred to Boston Children’s Hospital. She faced multiple complications and challenges with her heart, lungs, and kidneys. Her vocal cords were also affected, making it difficult for her to eat and speak. Now on the pre-heart transplant list, Ianna continues to receive regular care and remains incredibly resilient.

Ianna has a strong-willed personality and loves spending time with her family at the beach and trampoline parks. She and her siblings absolutely love to swim. Her favorite characters are Moana, Ariel, and Peppa Pig. Ianna and her family are so excited to meet her favorite characters on her upcoming trip to Disney and stay at Give Kids The World Village.

Phoebe’s journey began before birth when doctors discovered a brain cyst and other issues. She underwent her first open-heart surgery at just 5.5 months old, and genetic testing later confirmed she has KBG syndrome. At 7 months, she was diagnosed as legally blind. She is highly prone to MRSA, making any surgery critical. She had back surgery to reset rods and fuse her spine but the outcome was not as hoped. Her heart is monitored annually, and she will need surgery soon due to increasing shortness of breath. She also has hearing loss but cannot wear hearing aids due to chronic drainage. 

Phoebe goes to school at Meeting Street, where everyone knows and loves her. She loves to spend time with her family and brother in New Hampshire. She has a big heart for babies and loves babysitting with her mom. She’s also super creative and enjoys arts and crafts, but nothing tops her love for Harry Potter! She’s counting down the days until she finally gets to visit The Wizarding World at Universal!

Justin was diagnosed with cancer in October 2023, and he's been getting his treatments at Hasbro Children's Hospital ever since. At first, it was tough for Justin and his family to adjust to everything that comes with chemo, but over time, they've found their rhythm and are doing much better now.

Justin loves working out and going to the movies. He enjoys all kinds of films, especially at Apple Cinemas, his favorite theater. His go-to gym is the Y because it offers so much, and he likes working out with his older brother. He also loves thrill rides, so for his wish trip, he's going to Universal! He'll stay at Give Kids the World Village and visit the Disney parks too. It's going to be an amazing adventure!

Madison is an identical twin who lost her sibling at 31 weeks. Tragically, this caused Madison to have a stroke in utero, leading to her being born with cerebral palsy. She has 40% brain damage and was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2009. Madison experiences infantile spasms, focal seizures with impaired awareness, and drop seizures, where her muscles suddenly relax, causing her to collapse. She also suffers from right-sided weakness due to fluid-filled cysts that develop in her brain tissue. The damage to her middle cerebral artery has affected the left hemisphere of her brain.

Madison is a sweet young girl with a love for music and dancing. She enjoys reading, watching TV, drawing, and coloring. She's excited to head south this spring to meet sloths at Ocoee Riverside Farm. She and her family are looking forward to creating amazing memories on this experience!

Owen's story began with an ER visit that led to a diagnosis of Fanconi Syndrome, with the underlying cause being Cystinosis, where cystine accumulates and damages major organs. His daily rigorous treatment manages the disease. He is facing a future that may require a kidney transplant.

Owen is a sweet young boy who loves basketball, especially the Celtics and his favorite player, Jayson Tatum. He also enjoys playing the Xbox and board games with his family. One of his favorite places is the Foxwoods arcade. Owen and his family can't wait to go to Disney and stay at Give Kids The World Village!

Janessa was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis in September 2024 after her family noticed a rash that wouldn't go away and struggles with her mobility. Before this, Janessa was full of energy and always on the move. She started treatment right away, including weekly infusions, daily meds, and injections. Losing some of her mobility has been tough, but Janessa hasn't lost her bright spirit.

Janessa is super social, has a big heart, and loves arts and crafts. Her favorite character is the Hulk, and she enjoys video games with her siblings, puzzles, and spending time at the pool or beach with her family. Janessa can't wait to make magical memories at Disney World and stay at Give Kids The World Village!

Arianna, diagnosed with cerebral palsy at six months, underwent nerve-cutting surgery in March 2021, followed by intensive therapy to relearn walking. Now, she uses a walker. She had her finger bones broken and foot surgery to correct her posture, and both femurs were plated. In May, she'll have the plates removed.​

Jared is a triplet who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, autism, a brain injury to the frontal lobe and severe prematurity. He and his siblings were adopted when Jared was 3.

Sofia was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia back in July of 2022. She is on an aggressive chemo cycle every 3 weeks to help her fight off the cancer.

​Sofia loves arts and crafts - especially drawing and painting. She also loves to shop at Target and play with her dog and bunny! Sofia is excited to spend quality time with her family and make memories in Disney and SeaWorld!  ​

Graciela was a micro preemie and twin survivor, being born at 23 weeks old and weighing 1.2 pounds. She spent the first 149 days of her life in the NICU. Graciela has had 11 surgeries and countless procedures, including a stem cell transplant at 2 ½ years old.

Julia was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in February of 2023. She was at a routine doctor's visit when a lump was found. Julia was sent to the hospital where tests revealed it was Neuroblastoma. She had a 14-hour surgery in NY and will be starting therapy soon.

Kweli was born premature and spent 3 months in the NICU. He had a brain bleed that turned into fluids, eventually having a shunt put in. At his revision, the pressure caused the right side of his brain to collapse on the shunt. After noticing something on his left ear, he had surgery on his neck to shave the spine so fluid could go down. He is now back to stage one – overactive muscles with many spasms.

Durrell was diagnosed with Sickle Cell and has been in and out of the hospital since he was 9 months old. He had his spleen removed at the age of 3 and will soon have another surgery to remove his tonsils, adenoids, and the fluid buildup in his ears.

Luke was born 10 weeks early and has always had a medically complicated life. He suffers from multiple heart conditions and is on beta blockers to control his heartbeat. Last October, Luke and his family learned how short life can be when his mother almost passed away.

Gabby was diagnosed with B-cell leukemia in January of 2023. The beginning of her diagnosis posed many challenges. Initially, she thought she had pulled a muscle while running track and field due to the intense pain in her legs and joints, which persisted even during treatment.

​In February 2024, Lars was completely healthy until he suddenly developed a severe headache and was rushed to the hospital. He had a stroke likely caused by an AVM (arteriovenous malformation) in his brain, which doctors believe he has had since birth. He also had an aneurysm, which was successfully treated. Currently, Lars is receiving treatment for the AVM at Boston Children's Hospital.​

​June began experiencing right arm spasms two weeks before Christmas last year. She was diagnosed with focal seizures on the left hemisphere, but her condition didn't improve with medications. After more tests she was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder (EPC). Despite treatment, the seizures continued. She is now being tested for Rasmussen's encephalitis. If confirmed, June may undergo brain surgery to disconnect the left side of her brain. ​

When Dariell's mom was 33 weeks pregnant, she had a fall and developed pre-eclampsia. Doctors had to do an emergency C-section because Dariell wasn't moving. He had a brain bleed and had to stay in the NICU for two months. Doctors noticed he wasn't developing like other babies, and when he was one year old, they diagnosed him with autism. In 2020, they also diagnosed him with cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability.​

Daine and his family moved from Alaska to Rhode Island 12 years ago for Daine's health. Before the move, Daine suffered seven broken bones without a diagnosis. Within weeks of arriving, he broke his femur and was rushed to Hasbro Children's Hospital. The doctors diagnosed him and started treatment within six weeks. Since then, Daine has had 27 broken bones and deals with hearing loss, as well as heart and lung issues. He's had multiple surgeries and broke his back twice but remains the happiest kid his family knows.

At her 20-week anatomy scan, doctors delivered the heartbreaking news that Adilyn had a left-sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) with a 50% chance of survival. Her abdominal organs had moved into her chest cavity, compressing her heart and preventing her left lung from developing. Adilyn demonstrated incredible resilience from the day she was born. She spent 55 days in the Cardiac Vascular Intensive Care Unit, was placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (ECMO) at 23 hours old, and underwent repair surgery the next morning. Despite numerous complications, she defied the odds. Now 6 years old, Adilyn is closely monitored at Boston Children's Hospital by a team of specialists. Though she has faced challenges, her perseverance continues to shine. ​

At 4-6 months old, Olivia was not hitting her milestones, so the family took her to Boston Children's Hospital. She was diagnosed with GNA01, a disorder of the 16th set of chromosomes, after participating in a study. Common characteristics are seizures, abnormal movements, and developmental delays. She takes medication to manage her symptoms. Olivia cannot sit or crawl, and she just started rolling over, but it isn't consistent. Olivia goes to OT, PT, and speech therapy five times a week. She has an AAC device to help with communication. Olivia also has a cerebral visual impairment diagnosis, meaning she is legally blind and doesn’t process what she sees.​​

Ashly is a brave girl who just finished her leukemia treatment in June. Ashly, though shy, is sweet and smart and has a puppy who brings her comfort. She loves swimming in pools and jacuzzis and enjoys going to arcades. Seafood is her favorite food. Ashly has family in Florida and has always wanted to visit the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, FL. Ashly and her family are excited about their upcoming trip to the Hard Rock Hotel, where they will make the most amazing memories together!

Shane was diagnosed with cancer in April 2024 and has been in inpatient care since then. In August, he underwent a bone marrow transplant. Despite his health challenges, Shane graduated from high school this year. He was adopted into a very supportive family who has been by his side throughout his cancer journey, visiting him frequently in the hospital. Shane is a loving and resilient young man, having faced numerous life challenges both before and after his diagnosis, showing remarkable strength and perseverance.​​

Alester was born prematurely at 35 weeks, and doctors didn't expect him to survive. Shortly after birth, he developed an infection and spent 10 days in the NICU. As he grew, it became clear that he wasn't developing as expected. Alester wasn't speaking and eventually regressed to moving on his knees.​ He now wears braces on his legs and has undergone numerous MRIs of his brain and spine, as well as EEGs to monitor seizures. In July, Alester received a diagnosis — DLL1, a rare neurological disorder with only 17 known cases worldwide. The oldest known individual with DLL1 is 18 years old, leaving Alester's future uncertain, as doctors are unsure if he will ever walk or talk.​