For 7-year-old Jacob, there’s no better way to spend a day than splashing and relaxing in a hot tub. Jacob was diagnosed with MPSI-Hurler Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects his development and several organ systems. He often has to travel cross-country from his Washington home for medical treatments in South Carolina. But when he discovered that his hotel in South Carolina had a pool and spa, the trips didn’t seem quite so bad.
“We could hardly get him out of that hot tub,” recalls Jacob’s mother, Melanie.
Jacob can’t communicate verbally, but when wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho and Washington offered to grant his heartfelt wish, Jacob’s family knew just what he wanted.
“Jacob loves being in the water, and a hot tub is something he would really enjoy as well as help ease the discomfort of his condition,” Melanie said. Jacob’s doctor agreed that having his own spa would be therapeutic and fun for Jacob. Plus, being in a hot tub is something the family could enjoy together. “We knew a hot tub wish would be something that would really make a difference in Jacob’s life,” Melanie said.
Wish granters went to work. Aqua Rec’s Swimmin’ Hole & Fireplace Shop, a Marquis Spa dealer, graciously donated the hot tub. Jacob’s wish was a milestone for Marquis Spas® , marking the 300th wish the company has granted since becoming a Make-A-Wish Foundation partner in 2000.
Jacob and his family were excited to share his wish with their friends, so wish granters arranged for a big backyard party in Jacob’s honor. His favorite restaurants – Domino’s and McDonald’s – donated lunch, and guests celebrated with cake and Tootsie Pops, Jacob’s favorite treats.
“Making a difference in the life of one child with a life-threatening medical condition is rewarding,” said Marquis Spas President John Schrenk. “The thought of making a difference in the lives of 300 children is almost emotionally overwhelming. At Marquis, we consider ourselves privileged to have the opportunity to improve these children’s lives. The thought of us adding even a few minutes of happiness to a sick child’s life is incredibly gratifying.”
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Born in 1980 when a group of caring individuals helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wishgranting charity in the world, with 67 chapters in the U.S. and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants more than 12,600 wishes a year and has granted more than 161,000 wishes in the U.S. since inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit www.wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.
In celebration of our first granted wish in February of 2000, we would like to give you an update an Andrea. It all began with Andrea’s wish.
