Lionel's Wish

by Lionel Li

When I was fifteen years old, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Burkitt’s Lymphoma. I underwent chemotherapy and a transplant (this experience included a relapse). It was one of the longest and most difficult years of my life. I experienced hardships that I wouldn’t wish on anybody, but I developed a passion that I wouldn’t give up for anything in the world: giving back.

When I was first offered a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation before my relapse, I thought it best to treat my family and I to a trip to Disneyland, Paris. However, after my relapse, when I was undergoing the transplant, I had a lot of time to think—about who I was, and who I wanted to be. I was given a chance to reflect on my life at the time and what I truly wanted to do if I survived.

The transplant, while debilitating, gave me perspective, which led me to change my mind. I realized that I shouldn’t waste this oncein-a-lifetime opportunity Make-A-Wish was providing—instead I should do something truly spectacular with it. I finally decided to use the wish to benefit a nonprofit organization that had financially assisted my family and I when I was undergoing treatment: Friends of Karen, which provides financial and advocacy support for families with children who are undergoing life-threatening illnesses.

After being declared cancer-free again, I drafted three funding proposals, one for $5,000, another for $7,500, and a last one for $10,000. I sent the proposals to my social workers, and soon was approved for a $10,000 base donation for Friends of Karen’s annual walk-a-thon. I knew there was more I could do for the organization at that point, so I immediately set out to raise additional funds on top of the Make-A-Wish donation.

I formed a team, spoke to friends and family for sponsorships and donations, and reached out to my local community in order to raise as much as possible. This experience was my first exposure to fundraising, and I loved it. I thought about all the children and families the funds would benefit, and I couldn’t be more excited to see my hard work pay off. Through this entire experience, I received a wider perspective and developed a much greater appreciation for family, friends, and life in general.

I also learned how important it is to make a difference and to help those who need it. There is so much that we can do to help those not only in local communities, but around the world as well. With the proper passion and determination, anyone and everyone can truly make a difference and help create a better world. Loukoumi taught me these things, and my entire experience with Loukoumi has shaped me into who I am today.