Teen Exchanges His Make-A-Wish Disney Trip for Funds to Help the Homeless Community.

The ‘Make-A-Wish’ Fondation is a nonprofit that grants "wishes" to children ages 3 to 17 who are diagnosed with critical illnesses.  Their dedicated staff are known for going above and beyond to make a child’s wish experience the very best.  They tell child recipients, ‘whatever you want, we are going to make it happen,’ and they do.  The coordinators are typically used to requests such as a meeting with a child’s favorite celebrity or an all-expense paid trip to Disney Land.  Jude’s unique request surprised them.

“His (Jude’s) only wish was to give back to his community. He came up with all of this on his," explained Make-a-Wish coordinator, Emily Campell. "That’s not a wish we even tell kids is an option." 

When Jude was traveling to the hospital for his treatment, he observed individuals living on the streets. The struggles he witnessed left a profound impression on him and a strong desire to help others.  Jude’s compassionate nature allowed him to escape the constant pain from his long treatments.  As he fought for his own life, he often thought back on those struggling in their own way. 

"I got out of my version of heck," Jude explained. "And I want to help others who are in a similar situation, their own version."

Make-A-Wish Georgia granted Jude’s humanitarian wish.  They hosted a giving event that aided over 300 people experiencing homelessness.  With Jude in attendance, volunteers distributed supply filled sturdy backpacks, and insulated sleeping bags to those in need. Hot meals were also served to anyone in the community that needed one.  Jude even made sure every person in line was served a meal before he was.

Now in remission, big hearted Jude is now looking towards the future with hope and a new perspective.  He wants to continue to inspire others to give back in their own unique way. 

"It doesn’t have to come from a wish," he encouraged. "You can help, too."

Local entrepreneurs were so inspired by Jude’s compassion that they initiated a fundraiser.  Their intention was to provide Jude and his family with an all-expense paid, memorable and carefree vacation to celebrate the end of a difficult chapter. “Jude has already shown our community what true compassion and selflessness looks like. Now we want to show him just how much his kindness has meant to all of us,” they wrote on the GoFundMe page. 

The Foundation for A Better Life and PassItOn believe that Jude is a hero.  His selfless action is a great example of the value of compassion.  Jude’s wish has given a beacon of hope to hundreds of strangers facing their own challenges.

Video here: https://youtu.be/4P1om1ZTTRY?si=s9nOIOHQJc8EIHLb