14-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Uses Make-A-Wish to Help More Than 300 Homeless People

GEORGIA — When Jude Baker was given the opportunity to make a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the 14-year-old could have asked for an unforgettable experience for himself.

Instead, he chose to help people in his community who were experiencing homelessness.

Jude was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting bone or surrounding tissue, when he was 12. After undergoing chemotherapy and facing the uncertainty of his illness, he decided that his wish should benefit people going through difficult circumstances of their own.

A Wish for Other People

Jude explained that after coming through his own difficult experience, he wanted to help people who were facing their own struggles.

His request surprised Make-A-Wish officials.

Emily Campbell, a Georgia coordinator for the organization, said Jude’s wish was unusual because children are typically encouraged to choose an experience such as traveling somewhere, meeting someone special or doing something they’ve always dreamed about.

Jude, however, came up with his idea on his own and never had a backup wish.

Helping More Than 300 People

Make-A-Wish worked with Jude to turn his idea into reality.

The organization gathered sleeping bags, prepared backpacks filled with essential supplies and arranged hot meals for people experiencing homelessness in Jude’s community.

More than 300 people ultimately received assistance through his wish.

For Jude, the experience was a way of turning a difficult chapter of his own life into something positive for others.

Jude Is Now in Remission

Jude has since gone into remission following his cancer treatment.

His experience with illness has nevertheless stayed with him, and he hopes the impact of his wish will continue beyond the single day of assistance.

He also wants people to understand that helping others doesn’t require a special opportunity.

His message is simple: people can make a difference whenever they see someone who needs help.

His Story Inspired Another Act of Kindness

Jude’s generosity also inspired someone else to give back to him.

After hearing about the teenager’s decision, local business owner Kevin Godfrey launched a fundraising campaign for Jude and his family.

The goal is to raise $5,000 so the family can take a vacation together and enjoy time away from hospitals, treatments and medical worries.

Godfrey said the goal is to give the family an opportunity to create happy memories after the difficult period they have experienced.

A Wish That Went Beyond One Person

Make-A-Wish exists to give children with critical illnesses a special experience during an extraordinarily difficult period of their lives.

Jude chose to turn that opportunity outward.

Instead of using his wish solely for himself, he used it to provide food, supplies and warmth to hundreds of people in need.

Now in remission, the teenager hopes his story encourages others to look for opportunities to help — without waiting for a special occasion or a wish of their own.