The Make-A-Wish Foundation not only fulfills the aspirations of children and their families but also fosters profound connections, taking strangers and turning them into part of the family. The incredible bond shared between the teams at Make-A-Wish and the families they assist shone as bright as the warm September sun this past Saturday morning under Marlin Circle at the Wharf in Orange Beach. For the fifth consecutive year, the foundation partnered with the Wharf and local fishing families and business leaders to sponsor the ‘Kids Win’ Fishing Tournament, where they saw one very special family’s wish come true. 

We had the opportunity to chat with Molly Conger, South Alabama Development Manager for Make-A-Wish, and Tracy B. Smith, President & CEO, who simultaneously agreed, “They’re our family”, when asked about what’s next after seeing these incredible wishes granted. Smith elaborated on the sentiment by stating, “We love our kids, we love our family.” Conger remarked on the existence of a robust “Make-A-Wish community” that maintains ongoing relationships, often seeing some participating in yearly galas and other local events supporting the foundation's initiatives. 

The annual statistics reveal an alarming number of children diagnosed with cancer and degenerative diseases, with nearly 400 of these children becoming eligible for a wish each year. Smith conveyed her appreciation for the Wharf and other steadfast partners who consistently contribute to fundraising efforts, helping to raise more money to grant even more wishes. Once a family and their wish are selected, dedicated teams mobilize through networking and donation drives to fulfill the family's request, ensuring that these wish experiences are financially feasible and enriched by the involvement of compassionate community members. One such key contributor is Jade Jewell, GM of the Wharf, who facilitates outlines and actively engages alongside her own family with wish families making it all the more special.

This year’s wish recipients were the Baileys, who gathered with extended family and friends for this momentous occasion. What distinguishes this wish is how Miss Ada Lee (3) and her family utilized her wish. Lindsay Bailey, Ada’s mother, shared insights on her daughter's condition, reflecting on the family’s journey since the diagnosis two years prior, coinciding precisely with the date of the wish fulfillment. Overcome with emotion, Bailey recounted the transition from a surprise prognosis on September 27th, 2023, to a celebratory surprise occasion two years later, affirming, “Here we are here on this date and for a wonderful reason this time!” The Baileys, hailing from Baldwin County near Bay Minette, have a longstanding connection to the water, delighting in fishing, a favorite of Ada’s, especially with her Pop Pop. Thus, they expressed in a profound letter that a boat of her own would be the ideal fulfillment for Ada’s wish. 

This family, their wish, and the ‘Kids Win’ Fishing tournament aligned seamlessly for the occasion. Together with the Wharf and Make-A-Wish teams, Ada’s dream materialized not only as a day of fishing with family but also included the presentation of a family pontoon boat from Make Wake in Fairhope–a prospect that Mrs. Bailey described as a chance to “make memories that will last a very long time!” 

While Conger and Smith maintain contact with families post-wish grant, they noted that some interactions with wish recipients conclude after the initial wish experience, highlighting instances where wishes extend beyond typical boundaries, as seen when a terminal patient requested new uniforms for her band. Such requests, like the Baileys’, underscore the enduring impact of these experiences. Ada, while just beginning her journey navigating bilateral Retinoblastoma–an ocular condition that will inevitably continue to affect her visual capabilities–displays remarkable resilience. Her diagnosis was met with an unwavering support system driven by faith, aiming to tackle the challenges ahead with courage and positivity inspired by Ada, which rings loud with every giggle heard. Despite the demands of regular treatment at St. Jude’s in Memphis, Bailey expressed her hopefulness, commenting on Ada’s ability to adapt and maintain that uplifting spirit, sharing, “She takes everything so well.” She emphasized their eagerness for family fishing outings, fostering outdoor experiences and quality time for Ada and her brother. 

As the ‘Kid’s Win’ Fishing Tournament concluded, Ada and her family were called to Marlin Circle, where a $28,500  check was presented to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ada radiated joy, posing for photographs and engaging confidently with the audience, seemingly aware of the moment's significance as all in attendance granted and celebrated her wish come true. An elated Conger noted the profound impact of the day, a testament to the community's collective effort in transforming challenges into these grand moments. The first to climb aboard was Ada when asked how she liked her new boat, she replied smiling, “I’m hot”, leaning over the side of her new boat that read “Sea Ya L’ Ada”, a proper name for a gal clearly ready to take on the waters and feel the cool coastal breeze on her cheeks, making waves and cherished memories.