Make-A-Wish® Oregon, which also serves Clark County, Wash., grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Many children and their families describe the wish experience as a turning point in their fight against a life-threatening medical condition.

The BNSF Railway Foundation worked with Make-A-Wish Oregon to help grant the wish of Adam from Clark County, who has been battling a digestive disease.  Adam got to go on a trip of a lifetime to Hawaii. Besides soaking up the Maui sun, Adam went deep sea fishing near Lahaina and enjoyed a snorkeling tour near Maalaea. More importantly, he and his family got a chance to spend time together.

This year, BNSF Railway Foundation partnered with Make-A-Wish and granted the wish of Megan who is also from Clark County. The wish covered the cost of a service dog through a certified training agency and travel for Megan and her mom to attend training. Her mom noted, “I was worried I was ‘losing’ Megan due to the fact that Megan wouldn’t leave the house or come out of her room.  With the dog, the way she came out of her shell and came to life was unimaginable.”  Her service dog, McCoy, comes with her to school and to medical appointments and is a constant source of unconditional love and support. The service dog is instrumental to Megan in helping her gain independence as she grows.