Children’s Wish Foundation grants camping wish

Saige Werkman has seen her wish come true. Thanks to the Children’s Wish Foundation, this 4-year-old will spend the summer exactly where she wants to be: with her family, enjoying the outdoors. Most children her age dream of trips to Disneyland or meeting their favourite pop star face-to-face, but not Saige. She wished for a camper, so that her family can spend as much time together as they can. Anna Carr, Associate Director of Children’s Wish Foundation, says Saige’s choice should say a lot to all of us. “Family is really important. And sometimes, we take that for granted.”

Since she was born, Saige – and her parents – spent most of their time at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. At six months old, she had a heart transplant, and in four short years, she’s had several other major surgeries. Saige now has a weakened immune system and because of that the family has to stay fairly close to the Stollery, and can’t travel too far. Still, her mom says it hasn’t dampened her spirits. “All that she’s been through, she’s such a happy kid, an easy going personality, a fun kid.”

That’s why Saige wished for a camper; so that the family could still experience vacations, without being too far from home. “It means being together as a family, and not always being separated,” explains Saige’s mom Gloria. “We all get to go together. That’s a big thing.” Wes adds “It was basically the only family vacation we could think of that didn’t involve traveling…In our life with her, we need to stay pretty close to the Stollery.”

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The Children’s Wish Foundation worked with Grove RV to help supply the family with the camper. “I can’t say enough… they went far over and above,” says Saige’s dad Wes. It’s a gift that means the world to little Saige. “Her facial expression… you could see the joy and excitement… just full of life,” explains her mom. Carr says seeing the look on Saige’s face is why the Children’s Wish Foundation exists. “It was well worth it.” Her family couldn’t agree more. “She’s been given a second chance at life, and she’s just going to the full extent of it.”

Saige’s first camping trip with her parents and two older sisters is planned for July.