SAN DIEGO, Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Magic can often be in rare supply these days, but when witnessed in person it can make anyone’s day.
Ben is a brave 11-year-old who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia a little more than one year ago. This past June, Ben completed his last chemotherapy treatment and began a two-and-a-half year “maintenance” period.
This period brings new challenges and freedoms for Ben and he is ready to embark in new journeys in life. “Make-A-Wish makes such a big difference in the lives of families going through hard times,” says Ben’s dad, Ingolf.
Because of Ben’s love of magic, he was asked to participate in a live magic show with magician, Gerry Katzman, owner of Hollywood’s Magic Castle. Ben performed several mind-blowing tricks with Magician Gerry while his mom, Stephanie, dad, Ingolf, and 8-year-old brother, Leon, watched him help perform the grand finale. “To see a child’s face light up because he’s doing magic, and then to see a glimmer of hope in his eyes performing what he loves to do was inspiring,” says Gerry.
The performance revealed that Ben will travel to Australia to meet a platypus this fall; this is the only place in the world where one can see platypuses in the wild. The wish reveal deeply touched his family and the audience.
“I’ve always dreamed to see a furry creature who is a mammal and lays eggs,” exclaims 11-year-old Ben. “And I can’t believe that I’m going to Australia with my entire family to do this.”
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