(Wish was generously funded by UnitedHealthcare Northern California)  Ever since he visited Disneyland several years ago, Joshua has been fascinated with the Cinderella castle and castles in general.  When Make-A-Wish asked him what his one true wish was, he did not hesitate; he wished to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle and other castles in Germany.

A well-read little boy, Joshua has always been curious about the world around him.  As is typical for many seven-year-old boys, he is full of energy and can’t sit still.  But his young life has not been typical in the least.  When he was 5, he had to go through a kidney transplant, kidney rejection, and another transplant; later more challenges came along – a long hospitalization, numerous tests, a number of medications, and other health issues related to his condition.  Throughout it all, Joshua’s spirit didn’t waver and surrounded by the love and support of his dedicated parents and two older brothers, he persevered.

When he was strong enough for his wish, Joshua and his family embarked on the trip of his life bound to Munich, Germany. The towns, the mountains, the food, the sounds and colors of the foreign culture were even more fascinating than what he had read in his books.  And the castles, of course, were the highlight of this unforgettable journey that was his reward for all he had gone through. The family came back with hundreds of pictures, memories for a lifetime, and the sweet reward of Joshua’s bright smile that will help them all continue facing the challenges that may lie ahead for this courageous little boy.

UnitedHealthcare Employees: (from L to R) Stacey Saito, Daniella Labonog, Cheron Burns, Kelsie Crawford, Pinky Patel (front, next to Joshua), Tammy Rowe

“As employees of UnitedHealthcare, it was an exciting and momentous occasion to meet Joshua and his family at his post-wish celebration. It was heartbreaking to hear what Joshua has been through; the fact that he had a wish come true because of Make-A-Wish and UnitedHealthcare was incredibly fulfilling.  Our hearts were so happy to listen to his stories and describe the pictures in his scrapbook. To top it off, he kept laughing at the final picture we took and we all laughed along with him. We are blessed to be part of such a miraculous wish come true!!”

Tammy Rowe
UnitedHealthcare