Redwood City Teen's Wish Comes True

Jennifer, 14, of Redwood City, lives with osteosarcoma, a malignant but cancerous bone tumor that usually develops during the period of rapid growth that occurs in adolescence, as a teenager matures into an adult.

But today, thanks in part to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Greater Bay Area, Jennifer is all smiles.

When presented with an opportunity for a wish, Jennifer chose to swim with dolphins in Hawaii.  

Jennifer’s wish came true, courtesy of Make-A-Wish and United Healthcare, a UnitedHealth Group company.

UnitedHealthcare sponsored Jennifer’s wish through its national alliance with Make-A-Wish to support the organization and its mission of granting wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

On March 1, Jennifer brought her parents and younger brother and sister along on her wish.  

A team of Make-A-Wish volunteers arranged a festive sendoff party for her that included leis and a toast with Hawaiian punch. 

Jennifer said she chose Hawaii for her wish because she has always thought Hawaii was beautiful and has wanted to swim with dolphins.  

As part of a renewed three-year, $3-million alliance with UnitedHealth Group, each of Make-A-Wish’s 62 chapters is eligible to receive wish-granting funds. UnitedHealth Group has funded more than 1,250 wishes, beginning with its initial three-year, $4.5-million alliance in 2007.

Additionally, UnitedHealth Group employees and the dollar-for-dollar company match have resulted in more than $2.8 million in donations through the company’s annual United Giving Campaign.

“We were grateful for the opportunity to join Make-A-Wish to help make Jennifer's wish trip come true,” said Brandon Cuevas, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of California.  “Make-A-Wish truly makes a positive impact in our communities and brings joy to so many children courageously facing life-threatening medical conditions."

For more information about the Bay Area chapter of Make-a-Wish, visit www.SFWish.org.

Do you know anyone who has been granted a wish such as Jennifer's? Tell us in the comments.

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