By Wish Alum Meredith K.

“You don’t look sick, you look great! What do you mean you don’t feel well?” 

After my diagnosis with systemic lupus erythematosus, this often came up in conversations. I didn’t look sick so I must be fine. However, when they say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, you really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.  

For me, what people saw on the outside did not reflect what was happening on the inside. It made my diagnosis that much harder, because while I was feeling both physically ill and emotionally exhausted, nobody saw the toll it took on me. Between the misunderstanding of others, endless doctors' appointments, and the knowledge that there is no cure, I was struggling to find the silver lining in my diagnosis.  

That changed the moment my doctor told me, “You qualify for Make-A-Wish.” 

My initial reaction was confusion and concern. When I heard about Make-A-Wish kids in the past, I assumed they were terminally-ill children. I never knew that having a chronic illness would qualify me for a wish.

Now, nearly four years later, I am forever thankful that it did.  

When it came to choosing my wish, the decision felt quite significant. If there was any constant throughout my diagnosis, it was my faith. Attending a Catholic school, Kellenberg Memorial, was a huge part of my life. The strength in my faith that developed at Kellenberg was an anchor for me as I navigated my diagnosis. Therefore, it quickly became apparent that my wish should center around my faith. And what better way to do that then to meet the closest person to a deity on Earth, Pope Francis. Thanks to Make-A-Wish, on October 31st, 2018, I was living a dream in Vatican City as I shook hands with Pope Francis.    

I am currently in a sorority and one of the constant quotes you hear is, “It’s not four years, it’s for life.” I couldn’t think of anything more fitting to describe the impact of a wish. “It’s not one day, it’s forever.”  

My trip to Rome and interaction with Pope Francis was surreal to say the least, but the impact of my wish goes far beyond that one day. As I now approach my four-year wish-iversary, I can’t help but reflect on what my wish has given me. 

First and foremost, I have the incredible honor to share my story. A story, which I can only hope brings a little bit of inspiration to those who hear it. It’s given me countless memories I will cherish forever. It’s given me endless opportunities within the Make-A-Wish organization. It’s given me the strength to persevere on the toughest of days and believe in myself through every moment. But most importantly, it has shown me that I am so much more than my lupus diagnosis.  

Through my wish journey, it became clear that all the stereotypes of a Wish Kid were wrong. A Wish Kid isn’t simply a sick child who is granted a wish; a Wish Kid is an inspiring, brave individual who never wavers in the face of adversity. It is one of my proudest achievements that I get to be that inspiring individual.  

I am honored to be able to show the community that a wish is much more than a joyous experience; it is a source of strength, hope, and confidence to last a lifetime. In other words, it was the cure that I so desperately wanted, yet never knew I needed, and I am forever grateful to have received.