Instead of using his Make-A-Wish opportunity to go on a vacation or have a special experience for himself, 18-year-old Jack Punswick from Olathe, Kansas, used his wish to help other kids. After finishing treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in April and going into remission, he decided to use his wish to launch a holiday toy drive for patients at Children’s Mercy hospital.
He spent last Friday gathering clothes, blankets, and toys for patients of all ages, hoping to brighten the days of kids who might be spending the holidays in treatment. Jack remembers having to undergo chemotherapy on several major holidays last year and finding comfort in small joyful moments, like dressing up for Halloween.
Make-A-Wish Missouri and Kansas vice president Brian Miller says fewer than 10% of children use their wish to help others, making Jack’s choice especially meaningful. The drive is supported through an Amazon wishlist, with gifts sent to the organization’s Chicago office before heading to Kansas City. Items will be shared with pediatric patients throughout the month. Jack says helping others brings him the most joy and that moments of hope are just as important as medical care.
Source: KSHB
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