Lina and Malachi's Wish to have an accessible backyard makeover

Siblings Lina and Malachi were both diagnosed with Leigh Syndrome, a mitochondrial disorder, that has affected every aspect of their lives. Having an accessible backyard provides them safe access to the outdoors and opportunities to enjoy nature in a variety of ways!
We were fortunate to partner with several community partners to bring this incredible wish to life in addition to having the support of members of the local gardening community and Make-A-Wish volunteers assisting with the work days.
~Laurel Babcock of Laurel's Garden Design created a native plant layout that brings in a variety of sensory plants for sight, touch and scent. Local plant nurseries donated a wide assortment of plants needed: Hoffman Nursery, Homewood Nursery, Native Plants Matter, Plantworks Nursery, and Taylor's Nursery.
~Cameron Conklin of Bull City Gardens designed and built the raised beds to perfectly fit Lina and Malachi's wheelchairs.
~Triangle Pond Management helped design a pond that would fit the space and be accessible for the children to interact with the water. Local Plumb Pros installed the water hookup and Rick Beddingfield Electric did the electrical hookup making sure the pond is secure and safe.
~Cade Inc installed the concrete pathways and helped find the perfect wheelchair accessible swing set that allows the kids to enjoy the movement.
~Raleigh Tree Services provided valuable assistance with clearing the backyard to meet the needs of the project.
~Our partners Alpha Kappa, Chi Omega at NC State joined us to dig, rake, plant and build over the multi-day project and threw the most thoughtful wish celebration.
~And the Lowes Pros from a variety of local Lowes Home Improvement stores pitched in with materials, supplies, and teamwork to make the build day one to remember!

Our thanks to Brian Donovan, etc Media, Wilmington, NC for capturing Lina and Malachi's wishes so beautifully!