Rachel and Scott met as freshmen in high school, less than a year after Scott’s neurological symptoms appeared and his hearing worsened. He was apprehensive about how high school was going to go—it was a different school, different teachers, and a much larger student body.

They had a couple of classes together and struck up a friendship, which he really enjoyed and was grateful for. Scott eventually told Rachel about his health problems and the many tests he had suffered through and no diagnosis, etc. Rachel was very accepting and supportive.

Then, Rachel told Scott that she also has a life-threatening illness (which we won’t name to protect her privacy). At this time, there is no cure for her illness, although there is research and drug development going on.

Their experiences with health issues have resulted in a strong bond between Scott and Rachel. They can understand each other in ways that most teenagers simply cannot relate to. They remain good friends today.

In early 2012, Rachel qualified for a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. According to her mother, she struggled for several months to come up with a wish that would be the most meaningful for her. Finally she did: she wanted whatever medical resources necessary—doctors, researchers, hospitals, etc.—to be pulled together to find a diagnosis for Scott.

We were simply blown away by her generosity and selflessness. What a dear friend Scott has and how lucky he is to have a person in his life who cares for him so much! Scott would, of course, wish for a cure for her. But, understandably, Make-A-Wish can’t honor wishes for medical interventions. So with deep gratitude, we encouraged Rachel to choose another wish for herself. She did and recently that wish was fulfilled. From what we’ve heard, it was awesome and we are very happy for her.

Rachel as already given Scott the greatest gift she can—her friendship. We will continue to hope that both Rachel and Scott will benefit from treatments and perhaps cures in their lifetimes.