World of Wishes

In this heartwarming episode of the World of Wishes Podcast, we speak with wish mom Melanie Coulter, who shares the remarkable story of her son Andrew, whose life changed forever after being diagnosed with a brainstem tumor at just 2 years old. Melanie candidly recounts the frightening journey that followed Andrew's diagnosis, including a complex brain surgery, life-threatening complications, chemotherapy treatments, and years of rehabilitation. She reflects on the uncertainty, fear, and resilience that defined those early years, as well as the small victories that gave her family hope during some of their darkest moments. Amid that difficult journey, Andrew discovered something that brought him comfort unlike anything else: dogs. While receiving treatment, therapy animals visiting the hospital sparked laughter and joy that Melanie had not seen since before his surgery. When the time finally came to choose his Make-A-Wish experience, Andrew knew exactly what he wanted: a puppy. That puppy, a Goldendoodle named Biscuit, arrived during a memorable wish celebration in 2020 and instantly became more than a pet. He became Andrew's companion, protector, best friend, and a beloved member of the Coulter family. Six years later, Biscuit continues to bring comfort, laughter, and healing to Andrew and everyone around him. Melanie shares the emotional story of wish day, the special role played by fellow Wish Kid Kinsley Peacock and her family, and how a single wish continues to impact their lives long after the celebration ended. This moving episode explores hope, resilience, recovery, the healing bond between children and animals, and the extraordinary ways a wish can continue changing lives years after wish day. Learn more about how can get involved at https://wish.org/sfla! Be sure to follow us @makeawishsfla on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn! Subscribe, Rate, & Review this podcast to support future episodes that will feature wish kids and parents' past and present, volunteers, donors, referral sources and everyone who contributes to this World of Wishes!

Our guest on the newest episode of World of Wishes is Michele King, Director of the Child Advocacy Program at Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida at Lee Health. Michele has spent her career supporting children and families through some of their most challenging moments, and she has also been one of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida's most passionate and dedicated advocates. Michele shares a unique perspective from inside the medical community about the role wishes play in a child's treatment journey. We discuss how wishes create hope during difficult treatments, how they help heal and reunite families affected by critical illness, and why many healthcare professionals see a wish as far more than a special experience. For many children, it becomes an important source of motivation, strength, and emotional healing. You'll also hear remarkable stories about wish kids and families Michele has encountered throughout her career, along with her thoughts on how Make-A-Wish has evolved over the years and why every eligible child deserves the chance to experience the power of a wish. It's a heartfelt conversation about hope, healing, family, and the extraordinary impact a wish can have on a child's life.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of World of Wishes, we are honored to welcome Raymond Rodriguez Torres, wish dad, cancer research leader, and Co-Founder and Chairman of Live Like Bella—one of the most impactful pediatric cancer support organizations in the world. Raymond shares the story of his daughter Bella, a Make-A-Wish kid whose life was marked by extraordinary courage, faith, and joy in the face of overwhelming adversity. After early developmental challenges, Bella was diagnosed at just four years old with aggressive rhabdomyosarcoma, cancer that had spread throughout her body and left her suddenly paralyzed. Doctors told Raymond and his family that Bella would never walk again—and that her prognosis was only weeks to months. What followed defied every expectation. Bella fought for six years, regained the ability to walk, run, and jump, and lived with a joy and selflessness far beyond her years. Even as she endured surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, Bella focused on helping others - especially the children she met along the way in the hospital. During her journey, Make-A-Wish granted Bella’s wish: a Disney Cruise, where moments of childlike wonder, compassion, and spiritual grace left an indelible impact on their family. From private character experiences to an unforgettable moment of Disney cast members praying together for Bella before her celebration, the wish became a source of joy, strength, and renewal during the darkest days of her battle. After Bella’s passing, the words “Live Like Bella” sparked a movement that would reach far beyond one family’s grief. Today, Live Like Bella (livelikebella.org) has funded more than $45 million in pediatric cancer research, supports families in 38 countries, provides direct treatment and financial assistance, and ensures dignity for families even in their most painful moments. This conversation is about legacy, faith, service, and the healing power of a wish. It is a reminder that some lives - no matter how short - can change the world forever. Learn more about how can get involved at https://wish.org/sfla! Be sure to follow us @makeawishsfla on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn! Subscribe, Rate, & Review this podcast to support future episodes that will feature wish kids and parents' past and present, volunteers, donors, referral sources and everyone who contributes to this World of Wishes!

In this heartfelt episode of World of Wishes, we are joined by Abby Lindenberg, a devoted wish mom whose daughter Layla’s journey is defined by resilience, hope, and a powerful transformation from uncertainty to light. Layla was diagnosed with an ultra‑rare genetic condition called alpha‑mannosidosis, a disorder that affects muscle strength, balance, hearing, cognition, and overall development. For years, Abby and her family navigated what she describes as a diagnostic “odyssey”—visiting more than a dozen specialists, sensing that something wasn’t right, yet struggling without answers. When the diagnosis finally came, it brought fear and anxiety, but also relief in finally having a name—and a path forward. Layla ultimately underwent a bone marrow transplant, a life‑altering and intense treatment that offered her the brightest possible future. Abby shares honestly about the emotional toll of watching a seemingly healthy child endure such an invasive procedure, the faith required to move forward, and the long months spent inpatient during Layla’s recovery. Two years later, the results are extraordinary: Layla is present, joyful, active, and embracing life in ways that once felt uncertain. That’s when Make‑A‑Wish entered their lives. During Layla’s recovery, her daily ritual became dressing up as a princess—finding joy, imagination, and strength even on the hardest days. That simple act revealed her deepest wish: a magical experience at Walt Disney World, where Layla could fully live out her princess dreams. In this episode, Abby recounts what the wish meant—not just for Layla, but for her entire family. From staying at Give Kids The World, to the care and generosity of volunteers, to seeing her daughter fully present and glowing with joy, the wish marked a powerful milestone: a celebration of survival, healing, and gratitude on the other side of darkness. This conversation is a testament to parental advocacy, to living moment by moment through unimaginable challenges, and to the profound impact a wish can have in helping families reclaim joy and light. Learn more about how can get involved at https://wish.org/sfla! Be sure to follow us @makeawishsfla on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn! Subscribe, Rate, & Review this podcast to support future episodes that will feature wish kids and parents' past and present, volunteers, donors, referral sources and everyone who contributes to this World of Wishes!

Wish Dad Bryan DeCobo shares his family’s journey through love, loss, and resilience after both of his sons were diagnosed with the rare condition Coats Plus Syndrome. From honoring Ethan’s memory to celebrating Liam’s wish to meet his hero John Cena, Bryan reflects on the transformative power of wishes and the light they bring during life’s darkest moments.