This Maine Kid’s Wish Was All About Strawberries

When it comes to granting a wish, sometimes it’s the simplest things that mean the most.

For one young boy from Montville, that wish was all about strawberries.

According to WGME, Sawyer Cunningham has loved strawberries for as long as his family can remember. His mom, Lacey Cunningham, says his fascination with the fruit started when he was just a toddler.

“His love of strawberries started really young. I have pictures of him maybe one and a half, just covered in strawberries,” she said.

That love helped inspire a recent Make-A-Wish trip to Florida, where Sawyer got to visit a strawberry farm and spend time doing what he loves most.

Thew news station went on to explain that Sawyer and his older brother, Chance, were both born with a rare genetic immune system disorder. Their mother says even something as common as a cold can trigger their immune systems to attack their own organs, which can quickly become life threatening. The only known cure is a stem cell transplant.

Chance underwent his transplant as a toddler, and Sawyer has now gone through two transplants of his own. Through it all, their mom says the brothers have leaned on each other.

“They’ve both seen what the other has gone through. It’s their normal. They learn from each other and support each other,” she said.

In 2021, Chance received a Make-A-Wish experience of his own, digging for gemstones. Two years later, Sawyer got his turn. For the self-described fruit fanatic, the family chose a trip centered around strawberries.

Lacey told WGME they were blown away by the experience. The farm featured orchards, flowers, carnival rides, and plenty of opportunities for Sawyer to pick strawberries to his heart’s content.

“He picked so many strawberries. The owners were absolutely amazing,” she said.

The trip also included carnival rides and even a monster truck ride through orange groves, giving the family a chance to relax and make lasting memories together.

When asked about his favorite part of the trip, Sawyer didn’t hesitate, it was eating all the strawberries he picked. The family also enjoyed time at the hotel pool, where Sawyer even learned a bit about swimming.

For a boy who has faced more than most, a simple love of strawberries turned into a wish come true and memories that will last a lifetime.