Taking Flight: How Zachary’s Wish Soared Beyond the Clouds

From hospital windows to the pilot’s seat, one brave boy’s dream lifted spirits and inspired hope.

Zachary is your typical seven-year-old boy—or at least, he should be. He’s lively, full of curiosity, and loves nothing more than playing T-ball, zipping around on his go-kart, and exploring the great outdoors of Boone, North Carolina. But beneath the surface of his adventurous spirit lies a story of immense courage. Zachary is battling cancer, and his journey has taken him through some of life’s toughest terrain.

During his treatments at a hospital in Winston-Salem, Zachary found a surprising escape just outside his window: helicopters. From his room overlooking the helipad, he became mesmerized by the precision and power of these airborne machines. Watching them land and take off wasn’t just entertainment; it was a spark of inspiration during difficult days. One special day, he even got to visit the helipad to see a helicopter up close, and from that moment, his dream took shape—he wanted to be a helicopter pilot.

A Dream Ready for Takeoff

When Zachary’s wish was granted, the anticipation was palpable. Meeting the Highlands Emergency Air Rescue and Transport team was intimidating at first—after all, they’re real-life heroes in helmets. But as the morning unfolded, so did Zachary’s excitement. The team welcomed him with open arms, guiding him through a tour of the helicopter, showing him the intricate controls, and even gifting him his very own helicopter pilot manual. For Zachary, it was like stepping into a world he had only imagined.

But the best part was still to come. With pilot Jim by his side, Zachary climbed into the cockpit and prepared for his biggest adventure yet: flying. As the helicopter lifted off the ground and soared over the rolling hills and the Bristol Motor Speedway, Zachary wasn’t just along for the ride—he was in control, feeling the weight of the controls in his hands and the rush of the blades above him.

“It was his favorite part of the day,” his mom, Janet, shared. “Zachary has always said he wanted to be a helicopter pilot, but after his wish, he DEFINITELY wants to be a helicopter pilot!”

Lifting Spirits and Sparking Aspirations

For Zachary, the experience wasn’t just about fulfilling a childhood dream; it was about reclaiming joy in the face of adversity. The hours he spent flying weren’t just thrilling—they were transformative, inspiring him to imagine a future where he could help others as a medical helicopter pilot.

Zachary’s wish reminds us all that hope is a powerful force. It lifts us, carries us, and propels us forward when life feels grounded. And for kids like Zachary, your support makes it all possible.

Help Wishes Take Flight

Right now, more kids like Zachary are waiting for their turn to experience the life-changing power of a wish. You can make it happen. Visit nc.wish.org to donate, volunteer, or learn how to refer a child. Together, we can turn dreams into realities and prove that hope truly has wings.