Young Cancer Survivor’s Wish Brings Joy to Kids Battling Critical Illnesses at Bronson Children’s Hospital
Kalamazoo, Mich. - Jude Boussom, a 17-year-old cancer survivor from Kalamazoo chose to pay it forward with his Make-A-Wish opportunity on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Bronson Children’s Hospital.
Jude’s wish to host Christmas in July came true as the Children’s Hospital had all the sights and sounds of Christmas. The playroom was transformed into a holiday themed space so kids receiving care from Bronson could meet Santa and Jude, make Christmas crafts and choose their favorite present from over hundreds of donated toys brought in by Make-A-Wish® Michigan.
“When I was a patient at Bronson Children’s Hospital, the one thing that would make me feel better is having something new to play with,” said Jude. When he received a chance to have a wish granted from Make-A-Wish® Michigan, he requested the creation of a Christmas in July event for children currently undergoing treatment at Bronson. Watch Jude’s wish reveal video.
Dr. Carla Schwalm, Jude’s oncologist and medical director of Bronson Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, says when she learned of Jude’s wish, she wasn’t surprised. “Jude is so kind, caring and selfless. It was wonderful to see his wish carried out and see him share in the joy and magic of Christmas experienced by so many kids.”
Make-A-Wish® Michigan is taking Jude’s special wish a step further and bringing the magic of Christmas to kids in hospitals all over the state of Michigan in honor of Jude’s generous wish - the #BeLikeJude movement!
“There’s magic that occurs with every wish granted, but this wish felt especially powerful in how it has affected not just Jude and his friends and family, but his medical team, his wish team, the community, and our entire organization,” said Michael Hull, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Michigan. “Jude’s kindness and empathy as someone who truly understands what these kids are going through inspired him to wish it forward, and his ripple effect has been extraordinary. We all need to #BeLikeJude.”
About Make-A-Wish Michigan
Since 1984, Make-A-Wish(R) Michigan has granted more than 11,000 life-changing wishes to Michigan children with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish Michigan serves children throughout the entire state and is funded through community support.
Visit www.michigan.wish.org to learn more and help make wishes come true.
To learn more about southwest Michigan’s only children’s hospital, visit https://www.bronsonhealth.com.
