Lexington boy granted wish to see Boston Red Sox by Make-A-Wish South Carolina

Make-A-Wish South Carolina does everything it can to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

It holds the Wish Ball to further those efforts. Part of it is to serve as a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish South Carolina. The other aspect of the gala is to tell children, “You’re wish is coming true.”

Those attending the upcoming 5^th annual Wish Ball, on Feb. 24, 2018, will get to meet a Lexington boy who had his wish granted over the summer. Eli, a 12-year-old from Lexington, will be the guest of honor.

Eli, who is battling lymphoblastic leukemia, was granted his wish of going to a Boston Red Sox baseball game at historic Fenway Park.

Make-A-Wish South Carolina said the trip gave Eli a source of joy to focus on during his treatments.

“Knowing he had a wish kept him going,” Eli’s mother Robin said. “You know, it’s almost overwhelming because the generosity of everyone involved was so amazing.”

Make-A-Wish South Carolina aims to raise a record $300,000 to provide more wishes to kids and supply them with hope. The gala that Eli will attend, at the University of South Carolina Alumni Center, goes a long way in helping granting wishes.

“Guests enjoy an unparalleled experience, seeing firsthand the transformative power of wish granting,” Make-A-Wish South Carolina says. “Make-A-Wish South Carolina granted 184 wishes last year, averaging to a wish every forty-eight hours.”

In addition to meeting Eli, guests at the Wish Ball can anticipate hearing additional inspiring speakers, enjoying fun event highlights, gourmet dining, fantastic silent and live auctions and live music.

This story was originally published December 20, 2017 at 3:59 PM with the headline "Lexington boy granted wish to see Boston Red Sox by Make-A-Wish South Carolina."