Make-A-Wish® Central and Northern Florida, a branch of the national organization dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses granted a special life-long dream to Nicholas recently.  Nicholas, age 16, diagnosed with cancer wished to be a pilot for a day.  Thanks to Make-A-Wish friends at JetBlue University, his wish became a reality.  

The day started with a large greeting from the JetBlue University Training team followed by lunch and a tour of the facilities. Nicholas had the opportunity to operate an A320 Simulator and experience what other pilots in training go through. After all the fun, the JetBlue University Team congratulated Nicholas on his incredible flight skills and made him an honorary first officer at JetBlue. 

Wish mom, Nikki, had the honor of “winging” her son as he became a first officer at JetBlue. This is a moment many pilots experience and never forget. The day was filled with happy tears, smiles, and all of Nicholas’ favorite things.

This year marks a milestone for Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida as the chapter celebrates its 30th anniversary. “This year marks 30 years of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida making children's wishes come true and making dreams a reality,” said Anne Cuba, President/CEO of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida.  “None of this would be possible without the help of our community, donors, wonderful board members and volunteers.”

A wish has a lasting impact on the children and their families, but they also have a transformational impact on the communities involved. Nicholas’s  – among many other wishes – demonstrates how a community comes together to make dreams a reality. 

By working with your local Make-A-Wish chapter, you can have a hand in bringing joy to critically ill children in your own community. To get connected with Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida, visit their website at wish.org/cnfl/tallahassee or contact Kathleen Hampton, Director of Development at khampton@cnfl.wish.org or 407-622-4673 (ext. 201)