Foundation makes wish a reality

For several years, Trisha Winslow's son Locke had been showing high blood pressure at each of his regular doctor's appointments.

The medical staff downplayed the significance of these tests, but Trisha was concerned. In late 2009, she spoke up.

"It was too high, for too many years. I wanted him seen by a specialist," says Trisha.

The discovery that followed was a shock to the family: Locke had a coarctation of his aorta, a congenital heart defect that could greatly reduce his life expectancy.

But with the shock came a solution. Locke was immediately booked in for surgery. At an Edmonton hospital in January of 2010, his aorta was successfully repaired.

It wasn't until a post-operative appointment that a nurse first mentioned Locke's "wish."

"She said she forgot to ask Locke what his wish was last time she saw him, and we didn't know what she was talking about," recalls Trisha.

Trisha, whose family now lives in Melville, was familiar with the Children's Wish Foundation. But like many people, she assumed that it was strictly for children with terminal diagnoses. In fact, the foundation grants wishes to children with any type of life-threatening illness-children like Locke.

"He was so excited," says Trisha.

Locke, now age 10, is one of about 50 Saskatchewan children having a wish granted this year, and one of about 20 in the Yorkton/Melville area given wishes during the foundation's 25-year history in the province.

Locke wished for a trip to Disney World. Next month, he and his entire family-two parents and three children-will head out for a three-day stay at the park and four days on a Disney Dream Cruise.

Locke's siblings still don't know, and they won't find out what's in store until their plane touches down in Florida.

"He thinks it's fun to keep a secret like that," says Trisha.

Locke continues to do well since his surgery. "He is very energetic," his mother says.

She has high praise for the Children's Wish Foundation as it brings one of her son's dreams to life.

"They're very, very supportive and accommodating. They do whatever they can to make your wish come true."