Even though it's out of sequence, I'd like to share a very special event that took place in mid-July, just a couple days before our family left on the ultimate road trip. To tell the truth, my heart feels a bit overwhelmed as I compose this post. Overwhelmed with Gratitude, Joy, Anxiety, Sorrow, Love--all the feels. I'm sure some of the emotions can be attributed to our 5300 mile journey. Yes, 80 hours of drive time is insane, but the trip was so worth the effort. The chance to connect with family and friends was priceless--worth every nickel of gas. My heart feels overwhelmed with love for the people who made the places so special.
Still, this post's a little heavy because it has to do with Make-a-Wish. As beautiful and wonderful as Make-a-Wish is, it's also a bit sad because, well, sick kids. No one wants their child to qualify for a wish. Adding to the concern is the fact that Annika's wish is to go to Hawaii. My heart feels such sorrow for all those affected by the wildfires in Maui. In truth, Annie's health problems seem minor compared with the devastation of Lahaina. More than anything, our family wants to be compassionate and sensitive to the trauma that Hawaiians are experiencing. While Annie was originally scheduled to travel December 1st-7th (island tbd), her wish can certainly be adjusted.
Now on to the joy: her Wish Proclamation! Many months ago Make-a-Wish reached out to us and asked us if Annika would like to participate in a Wish Proclamation sponsored by Edwards Lifesciences. At first I was confused: Annika was already scheduled for a Wish Declaration. Wouldn't this basically be the same thing?
Apparently not. You officially make your wish at the declaration, whereas a proclamation declares that your wish will be granted. We learned that there was this medical company in Lehi that sponsors an annual Make-a-Wish fundraising event, and they wanted Annika to be their wish kid.
Happy to help, we agreed and put it on our calendar. Every once in a while I would get a random text inquiring about Annika's favorite food, book, color, etc. I didn't think much about it until I got the itinerary a couple days before the event. We were to arrive at 11:45 for lunch, but the proclamation wouldn't happen until 3:45. In between there would be some "fun activities." I still had no idea what to expect, but whatever was coming, I knew it was going to be bigger than the casual luncheon I'd anticipated.
Little did I know just how colossal this Proclamation would be. It still feels surreal! My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude to Edwards Lifesciences for all the generosity and love shown to our little girl.
***
First off, Edwards Lifesciences. Who are they? What does there company do? And why were they interested in Annika?
It turns out that Edwards manufactures heart valves. They have 1400 employees at their Draper manufacturing location alone. While their main headquarters is in California, they also are located in dozens of other countries, such as Canada, Switzerland, Greece, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, the Dominican Republic and more. While much of their tech is proprietary and highly secured, we did get to explore the basics. They are able to send a manufactured heart valve in its collapsed form through the femoral artery and up into the heart via catheter, where it is re-expanded via a saline balloon. The damaged heart valve stays in place, so the chest is never opened. This non-invasive procedure is basically outpatient. After a couple days, these patients walk away with a new lease on life! While Annika's heart problems can't be solved by a new valve, we were still so thrilled to learn more about the technology that is improving heart health all around the world.
As for why they Edwards Lifesciences was interested in Annika, perhaps her cardiac history was of interest, or perhaps they just thought she was pretty darn cute. Either way, we were blown away by the celebration they put together for our daughter. Mahalo!
***
The Proclamation Party Begins
After we arrived, we were met at the door by a man named Codi dressed in a Hawaiian shirt. Imagine my surprise as we continued on to discover dozens of people dressed in their Hawaiian best for Annika. They led us back to a conference room featuring a gigantic slideshow of our Annie. After choosing the most colorful lei, she went right up to the front to bask in the limelight.
For lunch, they catered Annika's very favorite foods: salmon, shrimp cocktail, and cheesecake. Plus somehow she ended up with a Dr. Pepper. What a party!
Charles, Susie, and Christy were able to join us for the special occasion. So glad you could be there! I'm not sure anyone would believe all that happened without witnesses.
This fun fellow confessed to owning an impressive collection of Hawaiian shirts, much to his wife's dismay. After learning that Annika loves "Wings of Fire," he brought this beautiful drawing made by his daughter who is a fellow dragon aficionada. Priceless!
Surprise Station 1: Harry Potter, Rocks, and Eggnog
After lunch we headed to our first Activity Station. Knowing that Annika loves Harry Potter, they gifted our little witch the cutest glasses, scarf, and hat.
They had everything all arranged to get creative and paint rocks.
Eli too, of course.
They even had an entire pitcher of Eggnog waiting for Annie! Back in January, she'd told someone it was her favorite drink, but Eggnog is pretty hard to come by in July. Not to be thwarted, someone went to the effort of making it from scratch for her. (With pasteurized eggs, of course. No salmonella allowed.) It was delicious!
Who would do such a thing? Professor Lockhart, of course! Don't curse the hand that feeds you, Annika. Remember how much you loved that 'nog! (She drank three glasses.)
Professor Lockhart's knowledge of Harry Potter trivia was remarkable. Our little witch and wizard knew an impressive amount, but he knew the answers to a few that might have stumped even our HP expert Talia. (Talia missed this part of the proclamation as she was off trying to take an exam for her online digital literacy course.)
Thanks to the whole team! (And the cheering squad too.)
Station 2: Top-Secret Lab
No pictures of this one because it really was top-secret! Annika and Eli got to dress in white lab coats and goggles and watch the production of the heart valves. The rest of us could go in as well, but unlike the kids, we weren't allowed to cross the yellow line. All in all, it was SO COOL! The amount of attention to detail is astounding. Every tiny piece is inspected to meet the highest standards of quality control--variations must be less than a hair's width. Some of the products are hand-sewn. It takes six months of training before a person produces their first valve! Once they are experts, they can produce two a day.
Eli was in heaven. For a long while he's expressed interest in engineering. Now that he's discovered the world of biomedical engineering, he may never turn back! I really do believe he will look back on this tour as a turning point in his life. As for Annika, she walked away with the most amazing souvenir--a personalized bookmark made out of this unique metal that can bend and regain its shape over and over again. Not only did they design it with her name, they even included the logo for Wings of Fire. It's amazing!
Station 3: Rock Climbing and Shaved Ice
If you think they couldn't top all that excitement, well, think again. When we stepped outside, we discovered our very own climbing wall and shaved ice truck. Mind blown! It still feels impossible.
In case you are wondering, Annika added every single flavor to her shaved ice. Best Day Ever.
Feeling rather Hawaiian!
In this picture, we have Christy and Summer, the Make-a-Wish Development Officer who joined us for the day. Summer lived in Hawaii for years, so she and was happy to teach Annika some important phrases.
Tackling the wall. Go Talia! Both she and Eli made it to the top multiple times. Annika had the most attempts and the best cheers. Finally Jason put on a belt and they worked their way up side by side. Dads are amazing like that. :)
Station 5: Games and flower leis
After the rock wall, we had one more station before the Proclamation. This amazing group channeled Hawaii with fun decorations, games, and the most beautiful flower leis and crowns. I get teary-eyed just thinking about it.
This station was extra special. This beautiful woman explained that many years ago she was a Wish Kid as well. She was in the cancer unit at Primary Children's when a wealthy benefactor came by and said that he wanted to send all of the children there to Disney. What a beautiful gift!
And now for the finale that overwhelms my heart most. This radiant Hawaiian woman clothed our daughter in love, gifting her two beautiful Hawaiian dresses. She made the most beautiful flower crowns for both Annika and myself. Then she invited Annika to add folded dollar bills to complete her stunning lei. Most tenderly of all, she explained how she had lots of family in Hawaii and repeatedly encouraged us to reach out when we travel because her ohana would love to greet us at the airport. So much generosity and love for a total stranger! I pray that as a nation we will reciprocate the remarkable hospitality that feels so distinctly Hawaiian.
A thousand times over, Mahalo!
Hang loose, dear friends!
The Proclamation
Dressed as royalty, Annika was ready for the proclamation. Confident and courageous, she made her way into the cafeteria where she was greeted with a standing ovation. Composed even in front of a crowd of 500, she made her way to the stage and welcomed the mic. Answering every question with candor and humor, she hammed it up as they told her story, warming the hearts of all who listened. At the conclusion, they finally presented her with the official Proclamation.
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Truth to be told, after so much excitement, we were all pretty worn out.
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One glimpse at all the loot reminded us that yes indeed, we really were that spoiled.
That evening Annika said, "I know the world doesn't revolve around me, but sometimes it sure feels like it does." You're not wrong kid, you're not wrong. Now just keep spinning.
Thank you Edwards Life Sciences!
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