Kelli Ritschel Boehle, Nik's Wish

CNN Heroes 2023

Nik Ritschel was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer just before he turned 18. During this difficult time, Nik’s spirits were lifted by the wish he was granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. But when Nik met other young adult cancer fighters who were too old for Make-a-Wish, he wanted to do something. The night before Nik passed, he asked his mom, Kelli, to help these young adults get their wishes. Kelli started Nik’s Wish after his death to honor her son’s last wish. Kelli has since helped grant more than 300 wishes to young adults nationwide aged 18 to 24.

Read about Kelli on CNN.com

Watch CNN Hero Kelli Ritschel Boehle's video here.