Wish stories

When five-year-old Sevi was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, his parents were given a short prognosis: “They said he wouldn't live for long, maybe six months.” The road to Sevi’s diagnosis was not easy: “They diagnosed him with tuberculosis first,” said mum, “he had seen several doctors before he received his correct diagnosis.”

At the time of his diagnosis, Sevi was living in the Philippines with his grandparents whilst his mum and dad worked in the UK and US. The shocking diagnosis sent mum and dad to the Philippines to be with their son. Later the family came to the UK to receive treatment.

After a turbulent time in the Philippines, the family settled into a monotonous routine shaped by childhood illness. As mum told us, “He’s different from other kids due to his condition. He can't enjoy physical activity with other kids and he's always in hospital getting treatment. It's home and hospital. There's not much social life.”

Sevi’s day-to-day was often shrouded in boredom- but having a Switch would offer Sevi exciting worlds to explore.

As dad told us: “In Oxford, he saw a kid playing on a Switch whilst an inpatient. He saw it and he asked what it was. I showed him on YouTube, and he said he really liked it. I said it's expensive and we may not be able to afford it. When a nurse came to us and told us about Make-A-Wish we thought it would be a great opportunity to get Sevi a Switch!”

“He was so excited when it arrived,” added mum. “He loves gaming. When he isn't playing on his Switch, he watches things about games and plays on his tablet.”

Once surrounded by confusing medical terminology, Sevi’s Switch allows him to escape into expansive worlds where he is in control - not his condition. Not only does it help him pass long hours spent at home or in hospital, but it also serves as a way for him to bond with his family:

But for Sevi and his family, his wish has remedied that sadness as the five-year-old adventures around worlds and fights baddies whilst playing his favourite games.

“It means so much to us- thank you so much!”