Make-A-Wish granted for local 8-year-old

JACKSON, Tenn. — A Wednesday running errands with his mom turned into a wish come true for Eli, who’s nine and a half year’s old.  When the family pulled into Robinson Toyota in north Jackson, Eli thought they were just getting the oil changed in his mom’s car.  But that was just a cover for a surprise he’ll never forget.

Make-A-Wish volunteers and a New York City-themed treasure hunt were waiting for him inside the dealership.  When Eli reached the end of the treasure hunt, he learned his wish to visit NYC to go toy shopping had been granted.

According to Eli’s mother, Eli has Loeys-Dietz syndrome, which affects the connective tissue in his body.  She said he’s always wanted to go to New York because “that’s where superheroes live.”

The Make-A-Wish organization grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, giving them hope, strength and joy.  Each year, Make-A-Wish Mid-South fulfills the wishes of more than 245 children across the area.  Founded in 1986, the Mid-South chapter has granted nearly 5,000 wishes since its inception.  With the average cost of a wish being more than $8,000, the organization relies on fundraisers and donations.  To learn more about Make-A-Wish, visit www.midsouth.wish.org.