Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia

Kenson's Silver Lining

Haiti Earthquake Survivor's Wish Comes True

While fifteen-year-old Haitian native Kenson will probably always remember the January 12, 2010, earthquake as a devastating experience, this natural disaster was, in a way, a blessing for this young teenager. The earthquake brought many doctors, including Allegheny General Hospital Physician Dr. Mark Sangimino, to the country to offer aid to the survivors. During his relief efforts, Dr. Sangimino found Kenson, who had chondroblastoma, a type of bone cancer. This meeting was only the beginning of better days for Kenson.

Dr. Sangimino brought Kenson to Pittsburgh for cancer treatments, and he was soon referred to the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® by his child life specialist. Kenson was thrilled at the opportunity to be granted a wish, and he immediately knew that he wanted a laptop computer. Although he had to have his leg amputated because of his cancer, he had his wish to anticipate.

Kenson was so surprised when three Make-A-Wish staff members showed up at the hospital one day with his brand new laptop. The Make-A-Wish Foundation made sure that the computer would give Kenson many hours of fun and enjoyment and loaded the laptop with hockey, basketball and soccer games. As soon as his Internet connection was set up, Kenson, who is a big sports fan, immediately went to the Yahoo! Sports page.

Since Kenson speaks French Creole and just a bit of English, the Make-A-Wish Foundation programmed the laptop in both French and English. Kenson was also given an iPod and Michael Jackson's This is It DVD as enhancement gifts. As he received each gift and set up his computer, he couldn't stop saying, "I so happy," with a big smile on his face.

Kenson now has a new lease on life. Thanks to Dr. Sangimino's efforts, Kenson is on the road to recovery and was adopted by a loving family in Seattle, Wa. Kenson told the Make-A-Wish Foundation that he hopes to become a doctor one day.