Where Are They Now...
Nicholas' Wish
"I wish to go and swim with dolphins in the Bahamas"
When it comes to WAM, riders are inspired in so many ways. Sometimes a friend or family member has experienced a wish. Sometimes a need to give back while enjoying the open road gives the ride special meaning. And many times, it just takes meeting one wish child or hearing their story to get the motivation to ride.
WAM rider Nicholas has his own very personal motivation. Nicholas knows what it means to support wishes because his was granted during a very challenging time in his life.
Inspired by the Wish-A-Mile 300 Bicycle Tour cyclists who ride to grant wishes of kids just like him, Nicholas will be joining “Team Nicholas” this year!
When Nicholas was in the midst of many months of treatments for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a welcome reprieve came whenever he could focus on the planning of his wish.
“Planning my wish helped me feel better when I had to be in the hospital,” he said. Nicholas is a lover of sea life and wants to be a marine biologist. His wish to swim with dolphins came as no surprise!
Accompanied by his mother and father, Nicholas flew to the Bahamas where they stayed at the luxurious Atlantis, Paradise Island. They were thrilled to have a week of nature, wildlife and relaxation – a week away from appointments and medical treatments.
During their stay in 2008, Nicholas enjoyed deep sea fishing, rock climbing, and he even got to be a biologist for a day, visiting the lab where they monitor the water. To cap it off, he got to hand feed turtles and sting rays!
“My favorite memory was watching Nicholas play and interact with the dolphins and other sea animals..." his father, Tom shared. "The wish meant putting the unpleasant memories of treatment behind us and replacing them with the memories of Nick’s wish.”
Team Nicholas’ captain and Nicholas’ father, Tom, says “Nicholas understands the pain you go through while riding three hundred miles. But he also knows that your love for the kids will carry you through each and every mile,” Tom says.
Nicholas is working hard training for the event and fundraising to meet his goal.
Team Nicholas will be riding in honor of wish child Vinnie, who Nicholas and family came to know through the cancer clinic. Nicholas and Vinnie are good friends and Nicholas is proud to ride this year in honor of his friend.
“Do it for the kids. They need you!” And few know that more personally than Nicholas.
Click here to view Nicholas' WAM fundraising page!
Archived Wish Stories
  
I wish to give gifts to I wish to meet the I wish to go on a
children in Puerto Rico. cast of "Full House". cruise.
|
Nicholas and his family enjoying themselves in the Bahamas!
Nicholas and his good friend, Vinnie.
Nicholas is working hard training for WAM and fundraising to meet his goal!
|