Wish memories strong after 10 years
Ten years ago, Joel wished for a computer which took his mind away from his illness and opened up a new world for him.
Eyes light up as Wish comes true
Even though it was 10 years ago, Wish mum Lee remembers son Joel’s wish day like it was yesterday.
Joel wished for an iMac computer so he could play video games, watch YouTube and streaming channels such as Netflix.
When the Make-A-Wish volunteers had set up the computer in Joel’s room, he was led inside.
“When he saw that massive iMac computer on his desk, his eyes lit up and he had this huge smile,” Lee said.
Wish extras surprise Joel
Joel, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a baby, got much more than just a computer for his wish.
“I was really overwhelmed with the added extras that came with Joel's wish,” Lee said.
“He received an IKEA Desk with the iMac computer plus an add on set of drawers which housed all of his physio and airway clearance devices.
“Joel also got a really lovely white quilt cover with an Aztec design from Adairs, and the massive graffiti painting which says ‘Joel Boy’ and is two gloves punching.”
When Joel saw the painting and the quilt he remarked: “Wow! This is the happiest day of my life!”
“Wow! This is the happiest day of my life!”
Joel, wish child
Exhausting medical journey
Joel was born 10 weeks premature and at day 17 he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
As the years progressed, Joel encountered new health challenges.
At age 10, Joel suffered hemoptysis (the coughing of blood from the lungs), which continued for 10 years. Each year he was admitted more frequently to the hospital.
Lee said Joel’s lowest point came when he was transferred to an adult hospital for transplant evaluation.
“The first day he woke up in there he coughed up over 300mls of blood,” Lee said.
“The care was much different than what he was used to at the children’s hospital.
“He started having panic attacks because I wasn’t allowed to stay with him.”
Lee slept in her car in the hospital car park the first two nights, keeping in touch with Joel by exchanging text messages.
Life-changing wish
The memories of his wish remain strong for Joel and mum Lee in 2025.
“Still to the day when we walk into his room, we smile,” Lee said.
“The room has such a wonderful, positive happy atmosphere.”
Lee said the wish changed Joel’s life, with the computer becoming an escape from all his worries.
She said when Joel goes on his computer he’s just like any other male his age.
“(When he’s on the computer) he can forget about all the pills he has to take, and the calories he has to drink,” Lee said.
“He doesn’t just sit on his computer and ignore the family either, he comes out and tells us some fascinating facts about the world and what’s happening in the news.”
Sibling bond etched in ink
Joel is now 24.
His sister Jeslyn turned 21 not long ago. A week before her 21st party Joel chose to get his first tattoo.
“He chose to get Jeslyn in a nice cursive handwritten font which I made up in Photoshop, and added a little squiggly heart at the end,” Lee said.
Three years earlier, when she turned 18, Jeslyn got a tattoo with the words “Joel Boy” and a CF rose.
Lee said the bond between the siblings was always strong and she was glad Jeslyn was acknowledged in Joel’s Wish.
Make-A-Wish gave Jeslyn some gifts on Joel’s wish day.
“I thought that was such a beautiful gesture,” Lee said.
“Joel was so happy for Jeslyn.”
Still to the day when we walk into Joel’s room, we smile.
Joel’s mum Lee
