Make-A-Wish® recipient & 2018 5K Foam Fest ambassador shares her story of overcoming obstacles

My wish played a tremendous part in my recovery and I’m still thankful for the support of Make-A-Wish. I give back because I know first-hand the impact of a wish and I encourage other people to help bring the magic of a wish to life for sick kids.”

                                                                 Saskia, Wasaga Beach 2018 5K Foam Fest Participant

 

When Saskia was 10 years old, she lost her father to a sudden heart attack. Soon after, Saskia started to develop symptoms of lupus, an auto-immune disease that causes the immune system to become overactive and attack healthy tissue and organs. 

“It flared up in my kidneys, caused swelling in my joints and gave me persistent fatigue,” Saskia recalls. “I struggled to play soccer, participate in social activities and was upset with having to miss class for regular doctor’s appointments.”

Because of her lupus and the medication she was on, Saskia’s growth slowed down – so much that people thought she was the younger sibling to her identical twin sister.

“I had a hard time coming to terms with my medical condition and finding hope for the future,” she says. “I needed something positive in my life. When my wish granter asked me to close my eyes and dream of my wish, I immediately pictured visiting the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. I had a subscription to National Geographic Kids at the time and one of my favourite articles was about the Galápagos. It seemed like a magical place, with wildlife and landscapes found nowhere else on earth. I wasn’t sure if my wish was too big, but Make-A-Wish made it come true.” 
 
Saskia’s wish gave her the opportunity to have fun and spend quality time with her family, away from the struggles at home. But most importantly, it restored her faith that good things can happen – even to her – and that impossible dreams can sometimes be made possible. Her wish gave her hope for the future and provided her with the energy and strength needed to recover. 

Today, Saskia is in remission and has graduated with a degree in international economics. 

“My wish played a tremendous part in my recovery and I’m still thankful for the support of Make-A-Wish. I give back because I know first-hand the impact of a wish and I encourage other people to help bring the magic of a wish to life for sick kids.”

This year, Saskia is excited to be our Make-A-Wish ambassador for the 5k Foam Fest Canadian tour and participated in Toronto’s event where she navigated through a series of obstacles. Saskia’s life journey has equipped her with the strength needed to face any obstacle. Her participation in the event is a testament to her resilience.

“Foam Fest is about having fun and challenging yourself to navigate obstacles, which I think links really well to the Make-A-Wish mission.” 
Having encountered several obstacles in her life, Saskia wants others to know that wish kids, like herself, don’t have to face theirs alone. 
“There are incredible people and organizations willing to provide support.” 

The impact of a wish can last a lifetime and she hopes her story will inspire others to help Make-A-Wish transform lives, one wish at a time. 

Donate today so children can experience the power of a wish, just like Saskia.