Wailuku Girl with Brain Tumor Receives Special Gift

Make-A-Wish kid Kayla of Wailuku, Maui is the latest recipient of the program’s wish granting services. The 13-year-old has been battling a brain tumor and was identified by the program as someone who could benefit from the support, joy and happiness that a wish could bring.

Like many girls her age, Kayla’s one true wish was to go on a shopping spree and feel what it would be like to have her heart’s desires. Part of her wish was granted with a visit for Kayla and her family to the Ala Moana Center on Oʻahu.

“While Kayla was feeling for the first time the freedom of choosing and receiving, a stark contrast from medical diagnoses and hospital treatments, the Jewelers for Children Association was planning a gift for her when she returned to Maui that would hold meaning for her for years to come; a gift that would remind her of her journey to healing,” said representatives with Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi.

On Wednesday, May 18, Kayla’s wish granters invited her to go on an outing in Wailuku. “Expecting nothing more than a typical day out with her family and wish granters, Kayla walked into Precision Goldsmiths to meet store owners Gary and Kathi who had a special surprise for her,” program representatives said.

As they got to know her, discovering her favorite color and her openness to try new things, Gary and Kathi offered to craft a piece just for her—a gold bracelet of a special pattern, made perfect with a heart charm with a blue precious center.

In two weeks Kayla will have a bracelet, made just for her, to remind her of her wish come true and the support of her community at a time when she needed it most.

“Like the bracelet, every wish child is unique, and this wish is a true gem made extra special by the generosity of the Hawaiʻi Jewelers Association and Jewelers for Children and their partnership to support the children of Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi,” organization representatives said.

Kayla is one of over 100 local children searching for their one true wish today.

“For children diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, a wish is more than just a day of happiness; it’s a lifelong reminder of support and joy in the darkest of times,” said program representatives.

The public is invited to get involved in granting wishes by sponsoring a wish, fundraising, volunteering or making a financial gift by visiting hawaii.wish.org.

In two weeks Kayla will have a bracelet, made just for her, that will remind her of her wish come true and the support of her community at a time when she needed it most. Photo credit: Chris Hoyte / Make-A-Wish

Thirteen-year-old Kayla of Wailuku is battling a brain tumor. She was granted a wish through Make-A-Wish Hawaii.

Thirteen-year-old Kayla of Wailuku is battling a brain tumor. She was granted a wish through Make-A-Wish Hawaii.

Thirteen-year-old Kayla of Wailuku is battling a brain tumor. She was granted a wish through Make-A-Wish Hawaii.

Thirteen-year-old Kayla of Wailuku is battling a brain tumor. She was granted a wish through Make-A-Wish Hawaii.

In two weeks Kayla will have a bracelet, made just for her, that will remind her of her wish come true and the support of her community at a time when she needed it most. Photo credit: Chris Hoyte / Make-A-Wish

In two weeks Kayla will have a bracelet, made just for her, that will remind her of her wish come true and the support of her community at a time when she needed it most. Photo credit: Chris Hoyte / Make-A-Wish

In two weeks Kayla will have a bracelet, made just for her, that will remind her of her wish come true and the support of her community at a time when she needed it most. Photo credit: Chris Hoyte / Make-A-Wish

In two weeks Kayla will have a bracelet, made just for her, that will remind her of her wish come true and the support of her community at a time when she needed it most. Photo credit: Chris Hoyte / Make-A-Wish

Thirteen-year-old Kayla of Wailuku is battling a brain tumor. She was granted a wish through Make-A-Wish Hawaii.

Thirteen-year-old Kayla of Wailuku is battling a brain tumor. She was granted a wish through Make-A-Wish Hawaii.