Caiden’s Home Run of a Wish!

From hospital stays to the pitcher’s mound at Fenway Park — Caiden’s wish to see the Boston Red Sox was a home run of hope.

A Dream Come True

13-year-old Caiden was in the hospital when his mom had exciting news: “Caiden, I got a phone call, and Make-A-Wish is going to make your wish come true.” Caiden immediately burst into the biggest smile, and said, “Are you serious, mom? I already know what I want to do.” Caiden knew his truest wish was to see the Boston Red Sox play, sitting on the Green Monster.

Caiden, who throughout his life has dealt with multiple diagnoses including a respiratory disorder, has had countless hospital visits, surgeries, and daily medications. Caiden “has always had a sweet spirit, he’s always smiling,” but as he gets older, Caiden is increasingly aware of what he misses out on when he’s in the hospital.

Months Of Anticipation

Caiden finds joy in his love for sports: whether it’s basketball, soccer, or baseball, Caiden is a fan. Once he learned his wish to see the Red Sox play would be granted, he couldn’t stop talking about it. Caiden would ask his family, “Do you think I’m going to throw out that first pitch? Do you think I’m going to meet some of the players? Do you think we’ll get seats on the Green Monster?”

After months of anticipation, Caiden, his parents, and his two older brothers flew to Boston. On Saturday, the day of the game, Caiden’s family was picked up in a limo and brought to Fenway Park, where Caiden took a of the stadium. He even got to try on the Red Sox’s world series rings!

The First Pitch

Perhaps the most exciting moment of the day was when Caiden threw the ceremonial first pitch. “His brothers harassed him before, saying stuff like ‘bounce this ball and we’re walking away like we don’t know you,’” Julie says. “So, after he threw it and it landed right in the glove, the whole crowd cheered and Caiden looked over at his brothers like, ‘see, I did it, guys!’” After his successful first pitch, Caiden wanted nothing more than to head up to his seat at the Green Monster, the famous green wall at Fenway Park. On his way, strangers cheered him on and gave him encouragement: “Good pitch Caiden; hang in there, dude; you’re an inspiration.”

Joyful Memories for a Lifetime

Throughout the entire trip, Caiden and his family were met with unexpected kindness: from a reservation and a free dinner at a notoriously hard-to-reserve restaurant, to movie tickets gifted by aquarium staff, “the kindness shown to us was overwhelming. Every little thing we did in Boston, people were so sweet,” Julie reflects. After 13 years of battling his conditions, Caiden and his family deserved a stress-free weekend. For Caiden, even taking his morning medications, normally something he especially dislikes, was no problem while on the trip. Caiden’s wish gave him and his family a carefree weekend of fun, memories to last a lifetime, and joy and hope that Caiden can carry with him through difficult moments.

Bringing it Home

After returning from Caiden’s wish, Caiden’s family visited the baseball stadium at Wake Forest University. Members of the Wake Forest chapter of Chi Omega sorority hosted a party for Caiden, with special guest Whit Merrifield and members of the Wake Forest baseball team. Caiden signed a baseball, now on display in the baseball facility, and toured the facilities. His tour concluded with time on the field, where Caiden showed off his incredible pitching skills and played catch with some of the team.