Annual Wishes Matter Newsletter 2014-15 | Page 4

Jack’s Wish to be a Superhero When Jack was just two years old, his family found out that he had spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disorder that affects the control of muscle movement. Upon hearing this diagnosis, Jack and his family kept a positive attitude and focused on moving forward. Jack’s strength and fiery personality fueled him to tackle his medical condition head on. Exactly five years later, at the age of seven, Jack now faced a different fight: how to save Denver from mischief and villains. When learning of his eligibility to receive a wish through Make-A-Wish® Colorado, Jack had something special in mind: to be a superhero with his older sister, Julia, as his sidekick. Looking forward to enjoying a weekend together as a family, Jack’s parents were in awe by the overwhelming support they received from the city of Denver. “We experience the good will of people to some level every day,” said Jack’s mom, Christine. “But the overriding thing was all the people that came out and did their part to help this one kid have his wish come true. There were so many incredible people.” The “Mile High City” assisted Jack’s wish team in turning Denver into a superhero’s playground that he would be sure to never forget. June 5, 2015: On Friday afternoon, in early June, the Green Blaze rolled up in a Maserati to the chanting of his name echoing throughout the Colorado State Capitol Building. This was the day that was and will forever be “Green Blaze Day” proclaimed by none other than Governor John Hickenlooper. “We can all rest easier knowing the Green Blaze is protecting our communities from danger. Green Blaze is courageous, bold, and an amazing representation of a Photos by Stacy Sundown-Kiene 4 ∙ Wish Colorado | 2014 – 2015 4 ∙ Wish Colorado | 2012 – 2013