Johnny was born a fighter.
Diagnosed with congenital heart disease, Johnny had his first surgery as a one-month-old baby. Unable to eat, months were spent in the hospital where he also underwent surgeries two and three.
“He’s amazing,” said Bobbi, who unfathomably faced a similar medical journey with Johnny’s sister Jennie, who was born with the same heart defect. Jennie received her wish to be a marine biologist as Johnny anticipated his wish to be a law enforcement officer.
While Johnny’s dream job was to be a police officer, he worried his critical illness would keep him from ever wearing a badge. Thanks to his wish, Johnny’s outlook changed: “I now have the hope where I can actually do law enforcement, and if I can’t, then I can do something else with it,” Johnny said.
Johnny, who is already outgoing, embraced his action-packed wish. Highlights included riding with a state trooper, running “rookies” through push-up drills, visiting the FBI, shadowing at a 911 call center and K-9 training with Officer Rob. The community celebrated Johnny at a local park.
Johnny wants to take a high school criminal justice prep class alongside marching band, his favorite school activity. The future is bright for Johnny – and with renewed hope from his wish – he plans to pursue law enforcement to work as a K-9 handler.
“I loved it,” Johnny said of his wish experience. “It was amazing.”