Jeremiah’s Smash Hit of a Wish

When Jeremiah learned he was in heart failure, he didn’t dream that in a year, he’d be sitting at Centre Court in London. Jeremiah’s wish was a tennis player’s dream come true.

A Whirlwind, and an Eternity

On April 1, 2024, Jeremiah’s parents heard the words no parent ever wants to hear: “your child is in heart failure.” After a week of stomach bug-like symptoms, Jeremiah and his family realized something else was going on, and they took him to the hospital, where they got the devastating news that would change the trajectory of the next few months.

In just a few days, Jeremiah went through multiple open-heart surgeries, tests, medications, and ultimately, a heart transplant. “They realized I wasn’t responding to the meds and the last option was to get a transplant, and a week later is when I got my transplant,” he says. His mom Rebekah remembers it as a whirlwind time, where just one short week felt like “an eternity.”

Eyes on the Ball

After the successful operation came processing everything that had happened in such a short time. “That was very emotional for me,” Jeremiah remembers. But amidst the heaviness of that time, Jeremiah had his eyes set on two big milestones: playing tennis again, and his wish to go to Wimbledon.

Jeremiah has played tennis for five years. “What I like most about tennis is that you’re able to let a lot out and its exhausting. It uses a lot of agility and really allows you to get your energy out,” he says, adding that “one of the best feelings for me is being in a long rally with somebody.” The July day when Jeremiah was finally able to get back on the court was highly anticipated, and by the following spring, Jeremiah had recovered enough that he made his high school’s varsity tennis team.

A Surreal Moment

Equally anticipated was Jeremiah’s wish. When he learned he could really dream big for his wish, wishing to go to London for Wimbledon was the obvious choice. From the flight, to seeing the Lion King, to the food, to, of course, sitting at Centre Court, Jeremiah was living his dream. “Being able to do all that with the people I love most was just a surreal moment I never thought I would get to experience,” Jeremiah says. He reflects, “being at Wimbledon felt like stepping into a place I never imagined — the perfectly kept grass courts, the electric energy of the crowd, and the chance to see elite tennis up close.”

On his wish trip, Jeremiah made memories he won’t be forgetting any time soon, that will inspire him for years to come. While he and his family went through a terrifying experience that continues to impact his life, Jeremiah took away more than just hardship. Now, he carries with him resilience, a bright positivity, and the desire to share his story and experience with others by working in medicine one day. Jeremiah’s wish was more than a celebration of his new heart. It was a chance to replace fear with confidence and sadness with joy, inspiring him to chase his wildest dreams.