Wish Teen Mark visits Japan

Inspired by his second grade teacher from Japan, Wish Teen Mark’s love and fascination with Japanese language and culture has always been an important part of his life.  When Japanese language was not offered at his high school, he used his own money to pay for tutoring.  Mark always dreamed of spending a semester abroad in Japan or even living overseas for an extended period of time.  However, his dreams were put on hold when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was only partially operable.

When it came time for Mark to decide what he wanted for his wish, there was not a doubt in his mind.  While there were many wonderful things he wanted to see and do in his lifetime, the most important was to visit Japan.  The Make-A-Wish® staff and wish granters began planning right away for the Missouri Chapter’s first-ever wish trip to Japan. 

Mark, along with his parents and twin brother, began their wish trip in Tokyo, Japan, exploring the sites of the beautiful city with the help of their personal tour guide.  “The family could not believe how special they felt with having their own personal guide,” wish granter Chrissy Tipton said.  “This eased all the stress and confusion that the family may have encountered with language barriers.”  After an entire trip together, the Mark’s family grew close to their guide, and they even have invited him to the States for a visit. 

While in Tokyo, Mark had the opportunity to visit Tokyo Disneyland, the Meguro Parasitological Museum, Ueno-Koen Park and Museum, Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Ginza, Tokyo Tower, and the Meiji Shrine.  Knowing they would want more time to explore the country, Mark’s family extended the trip beyond the wish week, in order to visit Hiroshima and Kyoto.  One of the most important sites for Mark was a temple in Hiroshima where people go to pray for wishes to come true.  He wanted to visit the temple and pray for a full recovery from his cancer.  In addition to all the sites, Mark was anxious to simply walk around the city and take in the atmosphere and culture.

During his two-week adventure, Mark was able to use his Japanese language skills that he has developed over the past few years, and he was very pleased and empowered when the locals could understand him.  “He has lost so much independence and ‘power’ the last several months, that this drew joy to his family,” wish granter Chrissy said. 

Mark felt the experience was more than he could have ever imagined, and he and his family were grateful for the wish experience.  “The family could not thank everyone enough,” Chrissy said.  “They and Mark felt blessed and fortunate to go on this journey together.  For this, they are forever grateful.”