Wish stories

At just six months old, while having his milk, Kaiden suddenly went floppy. His older brother rushed him to hospital, where tests revealed he’d had a seizure and an MRI scan was scheduled. Just days before the scan, Kaiden suffered another seizure, and doctors knew something was seriously wrong.

The scan showed that Kaiden was missing 30% of his brain. Doctors also found his brain ventricles were enlarged, with free fluid surrounding the area, suggesting Kaiden may have had a stroke during birth or in the womb.

By the age of two, Kaiden was diagnosed with complex epilepsy and a rare mutation in his COL4A1 gene, which is important for the structure of blood vessels and certain tissues. When he was born, only around 50 people worldwide had the condition. He then began epilepsy medication, but due to his diagnosis, Kaiden developed right-side hemiplegia, meaning he cannot grasp or bear weight with his right side. He also finds it hard to express emotions, adding another layer to his challenges.

As his mum Amanda shared: “Kaiden has to have constant check-ups, we live in and out of hospital. We can’t have a normal life, and the seizures are so upsetting.”

Kaiden has faced incredible challenges at such a young age. At school, he can’t join in with contact sports because of the risk to his head, and he often worries about having seizures. Yet, despite everything, Kaiden’s positivity and outgoing nature shine through.

Since his diagnosis, Christmas has become a treasured time for the family to be together. Kaiden loves opening presents and playing games with his older siblings, even beating them using just one hand! It’s a time that fills his heart with joy. So, when Kaiden learned he could have his very own wish, he wished ‘to go to Lapland UK’, where he could meet Father Christmas himself.

Starting off the Christmas season with festive fun, Kaiden headed to Lapland UK and was transported to the North Pole. He had so much fun helping the elves in the toy factory, decorating cookies with Mother Christmas and making memories he’ll treasure forever.

Reflecting on his wish experience, mum shared: “Kaiden's favourite moment was meeting Santa, and mine was seeing his face. Children need a wish for hope and just to have some magical moments."