I wish to have a launch party for my business
Nathan, 8
cancer
Nathan is a happy and optimistic eight-year-old. He’s full of energy and loves anything that gets him moving, from basketball to cross-country running. He is very close with his family, especially his sister, Jannel, who was only three at the time of his diagnosis and struggled to understand why her brother was away so often.
Nathan’s journey began when he was just five. For nearly a year, his parents Opeyemi and Oluwasola noticed tummy pains and tiredness, small things that seemed ordinary. Then one day, Nathan found a lump near his collarbone. On November 1, 2023, his family’s world changed. Tests at their local children’s hospital confirmed what no parent ever wants to hear: neuroblastoma. Over the next 16 months, Nathan endured seven rounds of chemotherapy, five rounds of immunotherapy, multiple surgeries, two stem cell transplants, and countless hospital visits. There were terrifying moments, nights that saw him undergo up to eight infusions, and days when pain left him unable to speak or eat. Through it all, Nathan’s courage never wavered; his quiet bravery inspired everyone around him.
These days, Nathan is thriving. Now that he has completed treatment and is back in school, running races, and playing sports again, it seemed the perfect time to have his wish granted. Nathan’s wish reflects his resilience and creativity: to be the boss of his own merchandise company. Through Make-A-Wish Canada, Nathan was introduced to AdWEAR + PromoSTUFF, who are assisting with the steps involved with launching a merchandise brand. His mom, Opeyemi, shared “Nathan’s excitement really grew after meeting the AdWEAR + Promo STUFF team. Every email and meeting—especially seeing his logo come to life—filled him with pride. Watching his ideas take shape has been amazing; he’s deeply involved, curious, and we see his unique creativity shine through at every milestone.”
Today Nathan is proud to call himself a CEO, making big decisions and leading something that truly matters to him. What started in the wish discovery process as a wish to go to his favourite theme park grew into something even bigger: Nerix, his very own brand. Nathan has been deeply involved in designing logos and planning products and plans to donate the proceeds to the hospital that supported him throughout his treatment. Opeyemi says, “this wish has brought hope, confidence, and joy, reminding us all how powerful it is to dream again.” Nathan’s wish recently came true, and he will soon celebrate this milestone by delivering a giant cheque to the hospital where he received treatment, giving back to the community that supported him throughout his journey. Now, Nathan isn’t just imagining a future, he’s building one.
Nathan’s wish to have a launch party for his business!
