HOUSTON — Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana has greatly impacted the health journey of children battling critical illnesses, like Raj Sheth. Here is his story...
"As a wish alum, I have had first-hand experience to see the power of a wish. My life was forever changed by Make-A-Wish and now as an adult, I'm able to use my story and what I have gone through to become a WishMaker and help other Wish Kids, like me, live their dreams. As a two-year-old, I had already gone through a liver transplant as a result of having the congenital liver disease biliary atresia.
Fast forward six years: my home had become Texas Children's Hospital with most of my days were spent in ICU and operating rooms. Due to my immune system being weak, I caught a virus called the Epstein-Barr, which put me in a coma for months. I underwent 25-plus surgeries during my days at Texas Children's Hospital while my family had to live through my pain knowing they couldn't help me in any way except by praying. Prayers were heavily answered. I was 24 hours away from not being alive when my parents agreed with the doctors to go ahead and take me off life support but, thanks to a miracle, I woke up the next day right before they were about to pull the plug.
God had listened to everyone's prayers and answered in a big way. Having family members and relatives visit me was normal, but one day wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation came to speak with me. They asked me if I could have any experience in the world, what would it be? Without hesitation I answered, "I want to meet Michael Jordan." A couple of days later, the granters returned and told me it wouldn't be possible to meet Jordan.
My heart was broken, and I was devastated. Jordan knew my health situation and knew how big of a fan I was of his and how badly I wanted to meet him, so he sent me multiple tokens as gifts, which included an 8×10 autographed picture, stickers, a couple of his books and, best of all, a personal letter addressed to me written by him. I never got to meet Michael Jordan, who played for the Chicago Bulls, but a few days after I received the package from Jordan, I not only got a phone call from Charles Barkley, who then played for the Houston Rockets, but also an on-air post-game message.
As a seven-year-old who had lost hope, faith and passion for life, this made a massive difference in my whole attitude toward life. Every kid dreams of meeting and hanging out with celebrities and athletes. After a life filled with struggle and pain, this message brought joy, just pure authentic joy!
On Tuesday, Feb 11, 1997, my life changed forever. That was the day I met my first and only true love (after my family and friends): the Houston Rockets. Michael Jordan is an idol and a role model of mine, but the Houston Rockets will always be the love of my life.
I got to ride in a limousine, meet hall of famers in the locker room, sat in the owner's seat, received autographed memorabilia, met the mascot "Clutch the Bear," and heard my name get called on the PA system at The Summit in front of 16,000 people.
My love, passion and fandom for the Rockets began that night. The Rockets have become my solace and my safe haven; when nothing is going my way, they are always there. That day was more than a dream come true. For that one day, I was able to forget everything and just live it up as a seven-year-old – thanks to the Rockets."
Make-A-Wish is about to celebrate its 40th anniversary of granting wishes as World Wish Day is coming up on April 29. And that day marks a remarkable week for Make-A-Wish as the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana chapter will be hosting its first wish ball on May 3.
Viewers can learn more about becoming a WishMaker by clicking here. Make A Wish wants to recruit 1 million wishmakers this world wish month, which is the month of April. Anyone can be a WishMaker. Sign up today to learn more. To learn more about Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana or how you can donate, click here!