Make-A-Wish Georgia Grants Life-Changing Wish to 12-Year-Old Cystic Fibrosis Patient at Savannah State University

SAVANNAH, Georgia (WSAV) — Make-A-Wish Georgia has granted a life-changing wish to a 12-year-old boy with cystic fibrosis, offering him a hands-on experience with marine biology.

Mason Downey was diagnosed with the genetic disorder at the age of five, which primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. His family traveled from Indiana to Savannah to give him the chance to fulfill his dream of becoming a marine biologist.

“I have been using microscopes to explore plankton and other marine life,” Downey said. “And I’ve also been learning how to identify dolphins by their sounds.”

Thanks to Make-A-Wish, Downey is now getting the opportunity to learn alongside marine biology students at Savannah State University. His passion for protecting ocean life is fueled by his desire to make a difference in the world’s oceans, which he believes are slowly dying.

“I really just want to help the ocean because it’s slowly dying, and I just really feel bad for it,” he said.

The university’s marine biology department set up several labs for Downey to observe, each focusing on a different aspect of marine biology. Victoria Young, a member of the department, expressed her delight at being part of his journey.

“We’re so delighted to just be part of his journey,” Young said.

The experience has not only touched Downey but also his family. His mother, Kristen Downey, is excited to see her son living his dream and learning about becoming a marine biologist and attending college in the future.

“Being here at Savannah State [University] is really nice because it’s exciting to see him living this dream,” Kristen said. “Learning about becoming a marine biologist and about college in general, so that in a few years he can go to college and this maybe one of his choices. I’m just very excited as a mom to see him get to experience this.”

With hands-on practice under his belt, Downey is determined to pursue his dream of becoming a marine biologist and moving to a coastline in the future.

Make-A-Wish Georgia grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, and this experience has already made a significant impact on Mason Downey and his family.

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