I wish to have a mancave
Manny
15
cardiac condition
Manny's wish to have a mancave
Manny and his family celebrating as he cuts the ribbon for his mancave
Manny, from Apex NC, is an energetic 15-year-old who lights up every room he enters. You would never guess he has a cardiac condition. Manny had his first heart surgery at just 4 weeks old, and since that time has had numerous other procedures and surgeries, along with wearing a cardiac life-vest daily. But this doesn’t slow him down! Manny still finds joy in being a typical 15-year-old participating in martial arts, jumping on his trampoline, and participating in numerous community service activities with his church. Manny’s perseverance and strength inspire us.
It really gives me hope for the future, hope that there’s amazing people out there who are making child’s dreams come true, families’ dreams come true, showing compassion, taking action
Manny
wish kid
Watch Manny's wish come to life with our partners at Balfour Beatty in Raleigh, NC!
Mom Tracy shares, “Manny was born with a congenital heart defect, a 10-millimeter hole in his heart. He’s had so many challenges since he was an infant, and yet he’s such a fighter! He has so much spirit. He has so much spunk, and energy, and passion. Everybody loves him for that.”
With more surgeries pending, Manny was very thoughtful when he started thinking about what his wish would be. He wanted to have a space of his own where he can hang out while recovering but still be safe and cared for. It was important to him that he could still have fun and enjoy time with his family and friends while recovering! Through wonderful community partners, Manny’s wish to have a custom mancave was born! Affectionately named the “Manny Cave,” his space was built with safety and comfort as the top priority!
Manny taking a selfie inside the early stages of construction on his mancave
Manny's wish came together with the creativity and dedicated support of our local wish community working tirelessly to create the perfect "Manny Cave" including design, permits, construction and even joining the celebration on his wish day!
“I’m so grateful for the generosity and the kindness shown. It really gives me hope for the future, hope that there’s amazing people out there who are making child’s dreams come true, families’ dreams come true, showing compassion, taking action based on what you see. Bringing together the community to build something it just encourages me so much” Manny, wish kid.