Manchester Boy Shoots, Scores and Makes A Wish

Make-A-Wish ® Connecticut granted 14-year-old Keyshawn Hurst’s wish to have a virtual shopping spree.

Keyshawn’s smile broadened as he entered the room where his wish was about to be granted. His
virtual shopping spree was happening.

An easygoing fourteen-year-old from Manchester who loves video games and basketball, Keyshawn also suffers from a blood disorder. On December 9, 2020, he and his family traveled in a VIP Propark Mobility van shuttle provided by the University of New Haven, complete with State Police Escort, to the brand-new Make-A-Wish wishing place in Trumbull. Keyshawn could not contain his excitement as he was met by Charger student-athletes, coaches and staff who cheered him on as he entered the building to receive all of the items that he had selected as part of his customized swag. Keyshawn said, “My favorite part of the day was seeing autographed stuff by the Golden State Warriors. It’s really cool, it’s so special. I feel so special, and I feel so thankful.”

In addition, Mayor Jay Moran of the town of Manchester provided a video message for Keyshawn,
proclaiming December 9, 2020 as Keyshawn Day in Manchester.

Keyshawn’s wish was made possible through the various fundraising efforts of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at the University of New Haven. Student-athletes were physically present, carrying signs with various messages including “We love you Keyshawn;” others welcomed him over Zoom, making the entire community’s presence felt on Keyshawn’s special day. The excitement in the room was palpable and Keyshawn’s mom shared, “I would love to thank everyone from Make-A-Wish for making Keyshawn’s wish come true. He’s very excited, I’m very happy for him.”

Keyshawn’s wish gave him a wellspring of strength to keep fighting for better days. Just like in his
favorite sport of basketball, he now knows he has a team of people who are cheering him on every day.

Make-A-Wish is in the business of delivering hope, and hope has never been more important than now for our wish kids. It can be difficult to continue to hope when we have had so many dreams deferred due circumstances beyond our control, but the moment we have something to look forward to, everything begins to change. Hope is a superpower that kids living with critical illness, like Keyshawn, have been tapping into long before many of us heard the word, “lockdown.” Helping more kids find hope is something we all have the power to do, because for these children—as for all of us—the promise of a wish is so much more than a temporary escape. It’s a wellspring of strength to keep fighting for better days. Hope is essential for children living with critical illnesses and you can unlock its transformative power today. Don’t wait for hope; create it! Donate now at ct.wish.org.