Kash has been undergoing intense treatments for a brain tumor and would like to take a break from all of that and go with his family to the Bahamas but that seemed like a dream. Last Friday, the 11-year-old boy from Layton got his wish. He was surprised at the Salt Lake Bees game with the news that his wish would be granted. It was made possible by a partnership between Burt Brothers Tire & Service Inc. and Make-A-Wish Utah.

“Kash wanted to go to the beach with his family and we’ll do everything we can and stop at nothing to grant it,” said Make-A-Wish Utah Development Director, Summer Ehrmann. “We’ll send Kash and his parents and the rest of the family that are under 18. We know a diagnosis doesn’t affect only the child but the entire family.”

The local board of directors makes the decision on granting wishes, she said. “We’ve helped 250 children from two and a half to 18 years old with critical life-threatening illnesses.”

Most are referred by a medical professional, Ehrmann said. “Kids they believe need more in their tool kit in order to fight the diagnosis.”

Volunteers go out to the families and ask the child what they want most, she said. “Things like who would you most like to meet? Where would you most like to go and what would you most like to have? Kash wanted to go to Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas.”

Kash thought he was just going to throw the first pitch at the game, said Ehrmann. “He went out and threw it like an absolute pro. When they read the proclamation of his wish and his strength and hope the crowd went wild.”

  “We are honored as a Burt Brothers family to do everything in our power to make wishes like Kash’s come true,” said Burt Brothers CEO Brian Maciak. “Giving back to the community is at the forefront of our mission as a company, and having the ability to make a positive impact on a local child means the world to us. Given Kash’s love for baseball, it seemed a Salt Lake Bees game was the perfect way to launch this campaign and let the community know how they can help us grant life-changing wishes like Kash’s across the entire state.”

It was a really easy decision, Maciak said. “He’s a great young man. It’s a privilege and a blessing to make his wish come true. It’s a tremendous honor to give his family a bright spot in their day.”

“I love baseball and basketball,” said Kash. “Mostly baseball. All the time I’ve been in the hospital I’ve been thinking about beaches. The warm weather and water. I like to tube and surf on a boat. It felt really good that I might get my wish granted.”

Kash is an amazing kid, said his dad Clint. “I mean for an 11-year-old little boy he’s been an awesome example. Especially to everybody around him and everything he’s been through with his treatments. He’s had to grow up fast. It’s been a life lesson for me. It’s special to see him smile and be so excited about something after what he’s gone through.”

There are popular misconceptions about Make-A-Wish, said Ehrmann. “It’s not just for kids who are terminally ill. Many of them go on to lead full and satisfying lives. Studies show that kids do better because of the invisible medication of hope they receive from Make-A-Wish.”

Those who want to help can become a volunteer wish granter, she said. “We have over 200 of them across the state.”

They’re the face of Make-A-Wish, Ehrmann said. “They meet with the family to assist in their wish. They kind of become a pseudo member of the family. They sometimes get invited to weddings and other events as the child grows. It’s a very rewarding experience. They bring hope when they need it the most.”

“It’s super awesome that all of you care about me,” said Kash at the game. “I thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me.”

Customers at all 26 Burt Brothers locations can round up their invoices or donate any amount for two months beginning Sept. 16 to help grant wishes for Utah children like Kash.