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Gabriel is a little boy who has faced many challenges in his short life, all of which he is proudly striving to finish in victory! When he was only eight months old, Gabriel was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This condition has hindered Gabriel in many ways. One of which was his ability to attend school. Therefore, his family made the decision for his mother to quit her job as a teacher and begin to home school Gabriel and his twin sister, Isabella.

Doctors had determined that Gabriel’s tumor was inoperable. But then last year the family learned of a new surgery available in Phoenix, Arizona. In March, Gabriel had the surgery to remove the tumor, which was causing him to have myriads of seizures each day. The surgery was successful and now Gabriel is in rehab and on his way to recovery.

Before Gabriel’s surgery, his mother, Rochelle, contacted the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Texas Plains to inquire about referring Gabriel to our organization for consideration of granting him a wish. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® grants wishes to children with life-threatening conditions in order to bring hope, strength and joy to the human experience. Gabriel’s physician’s diagnosis confirmed his eligibility for a wish to be granted.

In February a team of Make-A-Wish®volunteers interviewed Gabriel to determine what his wish might be. Gabriel’s wish was for a Backyard Adventure® play set. This wish was very important to Gabriel since after being diagnosed, his mounting medical bills and mom’s resignation from her job, forced the family to sell their home along with a special-built swing set in the backyard. Mom also believed that with the knowledge of his wish being granted for a new play set, Gabriel would be motivated to hold on to hope as he faced the impending surgery.

This month, Gabriel will receive his wish for a Backyard Adventure® play set. This is a very fitting time for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Texas Plains to grant Gabriel’s wish as it has not only inspired Gabriel to work hard at his recovery, but it also falls on the tenth anniversary of Gabriel and his twin sister’s adoption. Mom has said that each May they always “bless them” by doing something special to commemorate the month their adoption was finalized. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Texas Plains is blessed as well for having been allowed the privilege to participate in this special family’s life.