When he was just a baby, it was discovered little Gabriel had aplastic anemia and needed a bone marrow transplant to survive.
As it turns out, a donor from all the way across the world qualified – and was willing to donate his bone marrow to save Gabriel’s life.
And today – the incredible story of bravery and love has made worldwide headlines – and you’ll be touched to know the ending.
At 14 months old, thanks to a young bone marrow donor named Dennis Gutt who lived in Germany, Gabriel had his transplant – and survived!
Gabriel was given a second chance at life, and he was bound to make the most of it.
Fast forward to today, Gabriel is now 7 years old and was granted the opportunity to “make a wish” – and you won’t believe what he wanted most.
The wish opportunity was provided through Make-A-Wish – who helps children with a critical illness achieve their life-changing dreams.
Some children wish to meet their favorite famous actor or celebrity.
Others wish for tangible items like a computer or special gift.
And of course, many children wish to travel to their favorite location – and Disney World is often a hot pick.
After all, what child would turn down a free trip to Disney World?
So when asked what his wish was, Gabriel decided he wanted to go to Disney World with his bone marrow donor.
But as it turns out – this wasn’t possible.
Gabriel was left with a choice – go to Disney World or meet the young man who saved his life.
The decision was easy for Gabriel – and CNN reported that “without hesitation” he wanted to meet his bone marrow donor.
CNN reported:
“At first, he said, ‘Take my donor to meet Mickey,'” she told CNN. “But we couldn’t do that, so he was asked to choose one: Meet your donor or go to Disney. He chose to meet his donor, Dennis, without any hesitation.”
The foundation arranged for Gutt to travel this month to the United States for the first time and to meet the Smiths, who live in Springfield, Illinois.
“Gabriel’s bone marrow transplant forever connected him to a stranger halfway around the world, and our hope is that by uniting Gabriel and Dennis, we were able to help Gabriel build the physical and emotional strength needed to put his critical illness behind him,” Make-A-Wish America President and CEO Richard K. Davis told CNN.”
Sweet little Gabriel could have chosen to go spend time with Mickey Mouse and have this dream trip to Disney World.
But at the age of 7, he made the decision to meet the young man from all the way across the world who saved his life.
It’s incredible at such a young age he has the heart to know what is most important in life.
And while many bone marrow donors never know what happens once they donate – it’s amazing both families were able to find one another and connect – and finally meet.
Let’s hope Gabriel and Daniel continue to have a life-long friendship!
The kindness of a stranger saved the life of a child – and the child chose to repay him with his most precious gift – his one and only wish.
What are your thoughts on Gabriel choosing to meet his bone marrow donor instead of going to Disney World?
Do you have an encouraging message you want to leave young Gabriel and his brave donor?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
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