Make-A-Wish Minnesota

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

GIVE THE GIFT OF JOY TODAY!

Research has shown that a wish can give kids the strength to fight against, and even overcome, a critical illness. 

Wish Highlight - Keegan's Wish!

After Giving up Skating During Treatment, Keegan's Wish Marks a Hopeful New Chapter

Ever since he was very young, Keegan dreamed about playing ice hockey with his cousins. When he turned 4, he excitedly started taking skating lessons to build his skills. However, everything changed when Keegan received a devastating cancer diagnosis.

Suddenly, Keegan’s young life revolved around isolating hospital stays, painful spinal taps and chemotherapy treatments that left him feeling lonely and afraid. He was forced to quit skating lessons and miss out on time with his friends.

While his cousins practiced hockey, Keegan was forced to stay at home in isolation and only leave his house to undergo treatment. Through it all, Keegan began to lose the joy of childhood.

Amidst a period of prolonged uncertainty and fear, Keegan found restored hope through a wish. He had finally reached a point in his treatment journey where he was ready to pursue hockey again. He knew his heartfelt wish was to have a hockey rink in his backyard.

When Keegan saw his brand-new rink for the first time, he leaped into the air with excitement, a beaming smile on his face. After so much suffering, Keegan’s hockey rink ignited renewed joy and gave him a glimpse of a hopeful future for the first time since his diagnosis.

His hockey rink inspired him to fight harder against his illness as he moved closer to finishing his treatments. “[Keegan’s wish is] hopefully a joyful conclusion to the journey we've been on, and the ice rink represents the reward at the end,” said Keith, Keegan’s dad.

Keegan’s mom, Rae Ann, said her son has been filled with confidence and hope since his wish came true.

Keegan, now cancer-free, asks to skate on his rink nearly every day.

Help Make-A-Wish Minnesota grant the wish of every eligible child in our state.  Your commitment to wish children and families is critical. Thank you for your generous support!

GIVE THE GIFT OF JOY TODAY!