Meet Grace

I first heard of the Make-A-Wish Foundation through my social worker at the hospital. Due to my diagnosis, she said that I would be eligible for a wish. I remember being so excited about all the possibilities.

I spent the next few weeks speaking with other patients about their wishes. There was always a lot of excitement in the hospital when someone spoke about their wish being granted.

When I was diagnosed, I wasn’t allowed to go to public pools, as the risk of getting an infection was too high. I was taken out of swimming lessons, which I loved, and trips to the beach became harder as I was usually too sick to walk on the sand. It was for these reasons that I decided to wish for a pool.

This was a wish that brought joy to my entire family, which I'm thankful for.

I'm well and healthy!

I feel very grateful for my health and the beautiful people I have met through my diagnosis.

I try to live my life to the fullest, give back where I can, and not take anything for granted.

I think it's important to raise awareness of childhood cancer and the incredible work that Make-A-Wish Australia does. I know first-hand the impact that a wish has on a child and their family, and I try to share that message and hopefully help other families who are going through a similar experience.

The power of a wish is so incredible because it impacts not only you as the child but your family, friends, community.

In the hospital, a wish just lifts everyone's spirits – not only all the families but also doctors, nurses, volunteers and even the cleaners.

It would be so nice if everyone who donates could see the magic it brings to all the seriously ill children who receive them.

A wish also has a lifetime impact because they are so magical and create the most amazing memories.

A child can wish for the simplest thing, and Make-A-Wish makes it so special for the child and family.

That sort of generosity and magic stays with you forever and it impacts your whole life so positively.

I want all families to know that there is a whole community that is backing you.

It’s such a powerful thing to know that you are not alone.

Another message I try to get across is that there is hope, you can go on and be healthy – I’m healthy, I’m at uni and my diagnosis is now effecting me in a positive way.

It’s actually guided me.