Willowbrook student’s dream vacation to Hawaii granted by Make-A-Wish Illinois
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This past winter break, Willowbrook junior Jacob “Jake” Borho enjoyed a special and well-deserved trip to O'ahu, Hawaii.
Borho’s dream vacation was made a reality through Make-A-Wish Illinois. He was selected by Wish-Granter Sara Press, who is a Willowbrook alumna (class of 2003).
“What I think is really cool and special about (Borho) is he picked a wish that includes his whole family,” Press said in a video highlighting Borho’s wish. “He really wanted it to be something they could all do together.”
When he was in fourth grade, Borho was diagnosed with intractable epilepsy with tonic-clonic seizures. Since then, he has continued to work with medical staff at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago to determine the best treatment. He has been “seizure free” since this past November, and the last episode he had before that was more than a year ago.
Borho said he’s incredibly grateful to Press and Make-A-Wish Illinois for approving his grant request. They also provided him with a $100 shopping spree at DICK's Sporting Goods to get ready for the trip. To watch a video of Press surprising Borho, click on the video above.
“It means a lot, and I’m thankful for their generosity and support,” Borho said. “It was my first time going to Hawaii, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Borho traveled to Hawaii from Jan. 2 to 9 with seven members of his family. They enjoyed snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, hiking, ziplining and visiting Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
He said his medical condition presents challenges – including feeling fatigued for several days after having a seizure and having to delay getting his driver’s license – but he focuses on the small wins and keeps a positive attitude.
“If you have a good mindset, you can get through anything in your way,” he said. “My advice to anyone dealing with a difficult situation is to not be afraid and keep looking forward.”
Borho said he overcomes his medical condition thanks to the support of his family, as well as staff members at Willowbrook. Four people in particular are his grandmother, his grandfather (who makes sure he takes his medication every morning, visits him in the hospital, drives him to and from school and attends all of his baseball games), Willowbrook math teacher Amanda Rohlfing and Willowbrook counselor Neil Wahlgren (who helped Borho stay connected with his teachers, adjusted his schedule to accommodate his needs and suggested putting up pictures of Hawaii in his hospital room to help him and his family get through tough times).
At Willowbrook, Borho is on the baseball team and is a member of Best Buddies. In the future, he plans to attend college and pursue a degree in accounting or business.