Teen, 14, Diagnosed with Rare Cancer, Used His Single Make-A-Wish Gift Not for Himself, but Others in His Community

Because of his diagnosis, Baker qualified for a wish with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit that grants “wishes” to children ages 3 to 17 who are diagnosed with critical illnesses.

And while most kids will ask for things like a fun trip or meeting a celebrity, Baker instead asked for something different: to help the homeless in his area.

“I got out of my version of heck, and I want to help others who are in a similar situation, their own version,” he explained to 11 Alive of why he used the Make-A-Wish to help others.

“I wanted to help them out because I was in a bad situation and they were too,” Baker added.

Emily Campbell, who coordinates gifts for Make-A-Wish in Georgia, told the local outlet of Baker, “His only wish was to give back to his community.”

“That’s not a wish we even tell kids is an option. Usually we tell them you can wish to go somewhere, to be someone or to meet someone. Jude came up with this on his own. He never had a backup wish,” she added.

Make-A-Wish collected sleeping bags, packed backpacks full of supplies and prepared hot meals for homeless individuals in the area for one day.

Over 300 people ultimately received assistance because of Baker’s Make-A-Wish, per 11 Alive.

The teenager, who is now in remission, said he hopes his wish helped remind others that there are always opportunities to assist those in need.

Kevin Godfrey, a local business owner, heard about Baker’s heartwarming request and has since launched a GoFundMe for the teen and his family, in the hopes that Baker can use those funds to do something for himself.

“Our goal is simple. We want to raise money to send Jude and his family on a trip they will never forget — a chance for them to step away from hospitals, treatments, and worry and simply enjoy time together making memories,” Godfrey wrote on the fundraising page.

The GoFundMe has an ultimate goal of $5,000.

Because of his diagnosis, Baker qualified for a wish with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit that grants “wishes” to children ages 3 to 17 who are diagnosed with critical illnesses.

And while most kids will ask for things like a fun trip or meeting a celebrity, Baker instead asked for something different: to help the homeless in his area.

“I got out of my version of heck, and I want to help others who are in a similar situation, their own version,” he explained to 11 Alive of why he used the Make-A-Wish to help others.

“I wanted to help them out because I was in a bad situation and they were too,” Baker added.

Emily Campbell, who coordinates gifts for Make-A-Wish in Georgia, told the local outlet of Baker, “His only wish was to give back to his community.”

“That’s not a wish we even tell kids is an option. Usually we tell them you can wish to go somewhere, to be someone or to meet someone. Jude came up with this on his own. He never had a backup wish,” she added.

Make-A-Wish collected sleeping bags, packed backpacks full of supplies and prepared hot meals for homeless individuals in the area for one day.

Over 300 people ultimately received assistance because of Baker’s Make-A-Wish, per 11 Alive.

The teenager, who is now in remission, said he hopes his wish helped remind others that there are always opportunities to assist those in need.

Kevin Godfrey, a local business owner, heard about Baker’s heartwarming request and has since launched a GoFundMe for the teen and his family, in the hopes that Baker can use those funds to do something for himself.

“Our goal is simple. We want to raise money to send Jude and his family on a trip they will never forget — a chance for them to step away from hospitals, treatments, and worry and simply enjoy time together making memories,” Godfrey wrote on the fundraising page.

The GoFundMe has an ultimate goal of $5,000.