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John's Wish: A Renewing Adventure
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With three pools, a beautiful beach, and a hot tub to choose from at the resort, John immersed himself each day in warm, soothing waters. He and his family took the ferry to Trunk Bay on St. John and snorkeled among a mesmerizing array of colorful fish, stingrays, and coral.
It was two special turtles, however, that gave John the most memorable experience of his wish trip. John, who loves unique creatures, swam with rescued green sea turtles at Coral World Ocean Park – the only place in the world that offers the opportunity! He felt a sense of calm and reverence as he and the massive turtles swam about each other in mutual curiosity. Reaching out to touch their smooth shells, he saw that despite their fragility as an endangered species, the turtles exude strength and grace. Summoning newfound bravery, John decided to go parasailing with his mother and sister. As he felt the exhilaration of soaring in a picture- perfect sky, he saw sea turtles swimming below him!
Photos (from top): John (left) enjoys the beaches of St. Thomas with his siblings, has a thrilling encounter with green sea turtles, and prepares to go parasailing.
Click here to donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Massachusetts and Rhode Island and help wishes come true for more children like John!
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For nine-year-old John, a wish provided the opportunity to regain confidence and experience the restorative natural world. John has duchenne muscular dystrophy, which causes progressive muscle weakness. He wished to go to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to share a tropical wish adventure with his family.
Not only did John’s wish provide him with meaningful time with his family, he found gifts in each day and discovered inspiration to help him continue to face his illness with strength and grace. 
Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Massachusetts and Rhode Island 1-888-354-9474