On the walls of the Wish House at Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Northern Nevada is a picture of a teenage boy, movie-star handsome and flashing a crooked grin, leaning relaxed against a park fence, baseball glove resting at his side.
This young man's journey to the time and place captured in the photo is an amazing one that started when he was 12 years old, when he was diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. Casey and his family were thrown into a new world of medical treatments, hospitals and medical bills. During this time of stress and loneliness, along came the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
When it came time for Casey to choose a wish, he thought long and hard about it. While battling for his life, there had been no time for his beloved Little League games. He had missed a lot of baseball and wanted to make up for lost time with a batting cage of his own.
Casey’s wish brought an entire community together to witness the amazing heart and courage of a 13-year-old boy as the batting cage was installed in his own backyard.
As Casey approaches his 16th birthday, he is a proud member of the Damonte Ranch baseball team and freshman class president at his school. He also serves as a roving ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, sharing his experience with others at meetings, dinners, and special events throughout the community.
When Casey speaks, he tells an amazing story: his story. But it’s the calm confidence of the speaker that mesmerizes the audience. Casey can be heard saying, “Once you face down death, you never look at life the same.”
Making every minute count is what Casey does every day, whether it's in service to others, experiencing the joys of baseball, or sharing a story about life and the power of a wish.
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Casey's story is amazing. His story somehow inspired me to live life to the fullest.
- Christine 12/06/2006 6:59 -
Casey has inspired me to live my life the way I want to live it, and not let anything get me down. I think that by just reading this story, my life is going to change.
- Teya 12/15/2006 11:10 -
Well, instead of buying so many people christmas presents this year, I dontated money to the make-a-wish foundation. And I am so glad I did, it would be amazing to work for you guys. Just looking at what you did for kids like Casey someone who is my age, makes me want to give back. I don't know what I would do in that situation so I respect and admire the people that are in that situation!
- Kimberley 12/09/2006 16:28 -
Casey's story really helps me to understand why life is so important and why you should live life to the fullest. You should also pursue your dreams. God Bless, Casey!
- Nicole 01/31/2007 17:27 -
Casey's story made me tell myself to stop wishing life away! Casey, I thank you!
- Cassie 01/12/2007 12:17 -
Casey, your story was incredible! You helped me realize a lot of things and I wanted to thank you for doing that. Thank you very much! ! ! !
- Erica 05/24/2007 7:46 -
Awe, that was so sweet of everyone to give him his own batting cage!
- Melanie 05/21/2007 19:54 -
Casey, you are adorably cute and I wish you the best of luck!
- Whitney 05/12/2007 7:54 -
Casey has totally encouraged me to think about everything that I have, and showed me the importance in every little thing. Casey is really hot by the way!
- Brooke 03/19/2007 8:27 -
Casey - What a courageous young man you are – you have learned a lot at your young age that takes others a lifetime to know and understand – Many blessings to you and the joy you bring to others.
- Andrea 09/27/2007 11:03 -
This is such an amazing wish, as well as organization! It gave my cousin an AMAZING gift. I am so glad that it did the same for you Casey!! watching my cousin battle cancer as a teenager, and then hearing your story has really made me look at life differently. You both have encouraged me to go for the gold and to live life to the fullest! Right now my friend is struggling through sickness, and when i showed her your story she burst into tears. I just want to say thank you and good luck!
- Keely (Wish relative) 02/24/2008 22:43 -
Casey you are a cutie! I totally wish the best of luck for you! You help me become less selfish and thinking of others in need and wishing! Thanks. :]
- Megan 05/13/2008 16:06 -
i have a 14 year old brother who is in love with baseball.... I am so glad you had your wish fulfilled. Make-A-Wish has done wonderful things, for wonderful kids. I am so thankful that there are people who are willing to give, because there is no better cause than this. Keep your head up and eye on the ball!
- Julia 09/27/2008 12:58 -
Umm what can is say your really speacial love you xoxo
- Melissa 06/22/2009 18:43 -
Well, I was just scrolling down and saw your picture and your story instantly caught my attention. I think its great that you help others with this condition and offer them information.
- Tash 06/22/2009 18:35 -
u and ur gorgeous face inspires me
- tirisha 04/17/2009 10:52
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