One day, Kumail’s mum noticed he had no strength and had unexplained bruises on his body. They rushed him to the hospital, and there heard words no parent ever wants to hear; Their little boy had leukaemia.
“At the time, we really didn’t understand what we were being told. Looking back now, I am happy we didn’t” – Kumail’s mum Magdalena
The next three and a half years were a nightmare of hospital stays, sleepless nights, and difficult setbacks. But in the middle of those dark days, something beautiful happened; Kumail was granted his wish.
Like a lot of little boys, Kumail has always been fascinated by the army, and his wish was to be a soldier for a day. We reached straight out to the Irish Air Corps, and they were incredibly supportive. From the moment he arrived at the base, Kumail was treated like the guest of honour. He toured the equipment, tried out the flight simulator, and listened to all the soldiers sharing their stories.
Afterwards, Kumail’s mum told us, “I just want to say a big thank you to Make-A-Wish and to everyone who supported Kumail’s wish. They made him feel so special and everything was amazingly prepared… even the smallest details were so cool”.
That day, all the treatments and worry faded into the background. Replaced by laughter, precious memories, and the pure happiness every child deserves. Kumail himself said that “it was the best day ever” and still enjoys playing with his helicopter and all his army toys.
This is the power of a wish. It’s so much more than a moment of fun; It’s hope, strength, and a memory that will carry a child and their family through the journey ahead. Kumail is doing much better today and his whole family still remembers his big day so fondly.
