Teenage Cancer Warrior’s Make-A-Wish Request Will Restore Your Faith in Humanity

Quick Smiles:

• 14-year-old Jude Baker survived rare bone cancer after grueling chemotherapy treatments
• When granted his Make-A-Wish, he shocked coordinators by choosing to help homeless people instead of himself
• Jude created backpacks with supplies, distributed sleeping bags, and served hot meals to those in need

Cancer is an unforgiving disease that affects the lives of millions of people each day. The younger the patient, the more heartbreaking it can be to watch them battle.

Jude Baker learned he had Ewing sarcoma at just 12 years old. The aggressive, rare cancer affects bones and the surrounding tissue.

The young boy endured multiple rounds of painful chemotherapy. At times, he felt the treatment was worse than the disease itself.

“It wasn’t even knowing I could die. The chemo… it hurt.”

Despite the pain, Jude Baker bravely endured treatments and fought the heartbreaking disease. Jude qualified for a wish through Make-A-Wish Georgia.

It’s what he did next that changed everything.

Jude Baker Knew His Wish in an Instant

The now 14-year-old cancer survivor noticed many people experiencing homelessness during his frequent trips to the hospital. In keeping with his wish, Jude Baker chose to help others in the most profound and loving way.

“I got out of my version of heck. And I want to help others who are in a similar situation, their own version.”

Make-a-Wish Georgia coordinator Emily Campbell said she’d never had a request quite like Jude’s.

“His only wish was to give back to his community. That’s not a wish we even tell kids is an option.”

“Usually, we tell them you can wish to go somewhere, to be someone, or to meet someone. Jude came up with this on his own. He never had a backup wish.”

Jude Baker knew that the people he saw each day needed his help. At his request, Jude and the coordinators created backpacks with supplies, gave sleeping bags to those who had nowhere to rest their heads, and served a hot meal to those in need in the town of Summerville.

At just 14, Jude very profoundly said anyone can do what he did.

“It doesn’t have to come from a wish. You can help, too.”

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