The Make-A-Wish Foundation recently made another dream come true when they delivered a play-set to Kristy Thompson for her beloved daughter, London. 

Kristy was 42 years old when she had London.  London spent 481 days in the NICU after her birth. Kristy calls her a blessing, and her little blessing has CCMS—Cerebrocostomandibular syndrome. This is a disorder that involves a small chin (micrognathia), an opening in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate), a narrow chest, missing ribs, gaps between ribs, and breathing and feeding difficulties. 

Kristy gets help from her mother, Delores Thompson, as they provide the around-the-clock care that London needs.

Kristy admitted, “I don’t know what I would do without my mom and my other children.”

Maddy Gilligan and her mother, Joanne Everhart, Make-A-Wish volunteers, visited the Thompson family and were blown away by the support each member of the Thompson family has for London—and each other.

“I was totally amazed how supportive this family is of London and for one another,” Gilligan said. “They are such big fighters for each other. It is awesome to see that. Older sister Charlie is such an advocate for her sister.” 

Charlie was quick to say, “When my sister needs help, I run to help her. When her vent comes undone, I know how to fix that too.”

The gift the family received from Make-A-Wish was welcomed for many reasons.

“I am glad my daughters can play together. That is something I’ve always wanted to see,” Kristy said. “I also think it is good for the neighbor kids to see that London likes to play outside, too.”

Everhart and Gilligan both volunteer for Make-A-Wish Delaware and Susquehanna Valley Chapter and, yes, they enjoy their job.

“It is great for my mom and me to do this together. It feels awesome to see how this group works to make something happen for a family,” Gilligan said. “I think it is something London and her sister can enjoy in the future.”

Kristy is a champion for all of her children, especially London. She also is a support for other mothers facing challenges such as hers.

“I know how challenging this can be and I do all I can to help other mothers,” she said.

Watching her and her family for an hour, it is clear to see that not only are they helping London, London is also teaching many lessons to her loved ones.

Kristy’s oldest son, Chris, has become a police officer because, in his words, “the police have helped us so much when we needed help.” 

Watching Charlie tending to her sister and speaking with reporters and photographers so eloquently, it is no stretch to imagine that she will be serving others in some capacity in her future.

Her mom, who always has a smile on her face, is certainly teaching all of her children the importance of family. And Kristy’s mom helps in absolutely any way possible. Even Aunt Irene is never far away, if the need arises. 

What would have divided most families has made this family stronger. And London, this fragile child, has already improved the world around her and every person who meets her.