Khamari is a thoughtful boy who rarely speaks about the challenges his seizure disorder brings.

Learning about Make-A-Wish through the hospital clinic, Khamari’s mom NaShan recalls, “I was in awe of the whole process. Watching Khamari's eyes light up—his excitement, it was priceless.”

Khamari didn’t know exactly what he wanted for his wish at first, but he has always been fascinated by the ocean. The idea of snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and exploring the rich history of Hawaii felt like a perfect fit.

One of the most exciting moments of the trip came when Khamari took a swim with the dolphins. “He was so nervous at first, but when he finally got into the water, he completely relaxed,” NaShan said. “It was incredible to see him listen to the instructor, and then just have so much fun, swimming alongside the dolphins. That was his moment. It’s one of those memories I’ll never forget.”

The experience also had a profound effect on Khamari’s perspective on his life. When he wrote a paper for school about epilepsy, he shared his thoughts about being shy and nervous about his condition, but he also reflected on the people he met on the trip. Seeing other kids at the airport who managed similar conditions helped him to put everything into perspective.

““[Khamari]  realized he wasn’t alone in his struggles, and that gave him a sense of peace,” NaShan shared “He even wrote that he felt lucky and blessed.”

An unexpected joy of the journey was the sense of independence Khamari was able to experience. “He had his own card to spend money on, and he was so frugal,” his mom said, laughing. “It made him feel like he was in control, like he could make his own decisions. He had such a great time, especially when talking with local guides and people who recommended things for him to see and do.”

Reflecting on the wish experience, there are many lasting impacts according to Khamari’s mom.

 “It was like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Watching him in a completely different element, so carefree and full of joy—it meant everything. It’s like he was given a new outlook on life, something to hold onto, even when times are tough.”

The memories he made on that trip have stayed with him, and his family couldn’t be more grateful. “The whole process, from the moment we learned about the wish to actually going on the trip, was life changing. I’m still shocked, in awe, that we were fortunate enough to have this experience. It’s something we’ll never take for granted.”

 “Make-A-Wish didn’t just grant him a wish; they gave him a gift that will stay with him forever. A trip to Hawaii wasn’t just about the places we saw—it was about seeing Khamari happy and carefree for the first time in a long time. It made all the difference.”