13-year-old uses art to pay it forward to Make-A-Wish
MINNEAPOLIS -- Make-A-Wish is behind creating countless memories and putting a smile on kids' faces. Not only magical trips, but an outlet to create art.
At first glance, Connor Gottschalk is your typical 13-year-old who enjoys playing video games.
"After he was born, his first major surgery was the following day," said Melissa Gottschalk, Connor's mother.
He was born with Prune-Belly syndrome, a blockage in the urethra that creates a domino effect of issues. Leading to more than 10 surgeries, including a kidney transplant he got from Melissa.
"She's basically a superhero to me now," Connor said.
Many would argue he's the superhero and Make-A-Wish was there to provide memories he may have missed with his family. Last year, his wish was granted at Disney World alongside his family. It's extremely fitting for a kid who finished the Harry Potter series at 9 years old.
"I remember so many things that we did, and I just remember having a blast," he smiled.
The magic didn't stop there, he was asked to be part of Wish Art, a collaboration between Make-A-Wish and local artists like Trish Gardiner.
"I get more out of it than they do," Gardiner smiled.
Ashley Kilcher, with Make-A-Wish Minnesota, said the children and artists create beautiful pieces that get auctioned off at the annual gala to help support more wishes.
Connor and Gardiner created a seven-by-eight-foot art piece called "Differences," a special take on biomes.
"Art can just explain the diversity of history of things going on," Connor said.
The unique piece sold, but he was gifted a smaller version Friday by Gardiner.
"I could tell that this was an important piece to him," she said.
Connor also got to see a mockup of that piece that's on full display at the Hennepin Theatre Trust Sidewalk Gallery at 8th and Hennepin.
Friday, he finally got to see it in person and a huge smile took over his face.
The display will be up until Dec. 10.
You can help kids like Connor get much-needed breaks and hope by donating unused airline miles. Donated miles never expire for Make-A-Wish, and they help keep costs down to get more kids their wishes.
Learn more about how you can help by heading to wcco.com/makeawish.