“In 2008, I was on my dream vacation to Disney World and ended up in the ICU for 4 days. I was 9 years old. It was absolutely horrifying. I’m not a fan of all the pokes and needles, but every time I did get a poke or a shot, I received a stuffed animal. I believe that helped me in my healing process. I thought, why not bring this back to Eau Claire? So, that’s what I’ve been doing for the past 8 years. Katharine’s Wish is my charity that I started when I was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I knew in my hospital bed that I could live my life one of two ways. I could be a victim or an advocate, and I chose the latter, because I wanted to show kids that even if you have a disability or an illness, it shouldn’t stop you from going after your dreams. Through Katharine’s Wish, I’ve provided about 20,000 new books, toys, and stuffed animals to children receiving medical care in 60 different hospital and clinics. By the end of the year, Katharine’s Wish will be in all 50 states. It fills me with joy. I don’t know if there’s any other way to see it. The smiles and the stories that I hear from children, parents, and nurses definitely makes all the time and effort worth it. I had no idea how to start it. My parents had no idea, but why not try? Katharine’s Wish would not exist if it wasn’t for my parents supporting me. When I was 9, and had this crazy idea, my parents didn’t say lets hold off on it. They said ok, why not? Diabetes is definitely hard. It’s a daily thing. It never stops, but I look at it now as it’s more of a blessing than a curse. It’s brought so much into my life. I have been able to promote this disease and share information about it. Through Katharine’s Wish, I just want to show kids that you can do anything.”