2023 Ambassadors
Sam Caswell (New Hampshire)
Sam was born with Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS1/Hurler Syndrome), a rare genetic disease still considered fatal since there is no cure. Sam had a bone marrow transplant at a year which would give him the enzyme his body was missing in order to extend his life. His sister Jenna was his donor and gave him the opportunity to fight the odds. Sam will turn 27 on July 5th, far from the life expectancy we were given when he was diagnosed. He’s thrilled to be back at the Make A Wish All Star Hockey Tournament for what we believe is his 18th time! Sam loves meeting the players and getting to see Cathy and Tim, who have become close friends over the years. He has stayed connected with Make A Wish since he got his own wish to go to Disney World when he was five years old, and he has spoken at a number of Make A Wish functions over the years. Sam graduated from Southern New Hampshire University in December and is working toward being a motivational speaker. He has also set up a YouTube that is about to launch soon reviewing movies. Sam lives and breathes movies, as he got obsessed with them recovering from a number of his 38 surgeries over the years, some which kept him laid up for weeks at a time. His other passions are his dog Leo, and the New England Revolution. He doesn’t miss watching a game! Sam embraces life with a positive attitude and courage, and has taught us to do the same.
Ellah Murray (New Hampshire) 
Ellah was born on as a micro preemie at 24 weeks old and weighing 1lb and 7oz. She was flown by the DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center helicopter to be treated in their NICU in Lebanon, NH. Ellah was there for 6 months. This is where she had to undergo PDA ligation surgery and where we almost lost her at 6 weeks old. She has been through so many treatments including 19 intubations/ extubations, collapsed lungs, brain bleeds, and tracheostomy. She has also had about 23 surgeries and she now has a feeding tube. She is truly a miracle and has such a gravitating personality that we’re all so grateful for. She’s absolutely amazing.
Ellah picked Disney World for her wish because she loves watching Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Ellah was so excited! From riding in a limo, to the airplane, and just being able to be in Florida at Disney World, was a blast! Even Ellah’s grandfathers joined on the trip! Ellah loves seeing the pictures of us being there. She gets so excited from the memories and all that we got to experience as a family.
Avery (Vermont)
Avery, like any other fun-loving teen, has an eye for adventure. So when Avery was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, arare form of cancer, she had a hard time seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Avery loves the outdoors and especially enjoys swimming and being at the beach. That is why Avery’s Wish to go to Hawaii with her family was a no-brainer. Avery was able to explore the beaches and take in the beautiful scenery, and she even met an octopus!
![](/wp-content/files/2018/05/sidebar-make-a-wish.jpg")
