Sitting at the water’s edge, nine-year-old Dan peers down and sees not only his reflection, but also an entire new world that is his to explore and enjoy.
There are fish, plenty of insects and plants, and even a waterfall. Dan leaves his chemo treatment far behind as he listens to the soothing sounds of his wish for a koi pond come true!
Water has always been calming for Dan, and he loves fish and aquatic creatures. After deciding upon his wish, he began studying photos and watching videos about koi ponds. “Hours in the hospital for treatment for his brain tumor were spent researching this pond—this gift—instead of thinking about how he was missing school, or how he would feel the day after chemo,” describes his mother, Christi. Through his research, Dan became inspired to stock his pond with native fish he could catch himself!
Dan’s pond was created over two days and he enjoyed watching its progress with his family and his Make-A-Wish volunteer team. As the finishing touches were put on the project, he visited a nearby pond to catch several small fish to add to his new backyard habitat. When the completed koi pond was officially revealed to him, Dan was amazed to see just what he had wished for in his very own yard!
Dan is caring for his pond with great pride, checking it first thing each morning and when he returns from school each afternoon. He can even hear the calming sounds of the waterfall from his bedroom window. “Dan’s wish has brought so much joy to our family and has shown him and his three brothers that sometimes good things come out of very difficult experiences,” says Christi.