Dylan Sanchez, an 18-year-old Palo Verde High senior diagnosed with leukemia in 2024, will soon trade hospital rooms for Hawaiian shores. The Athletics are funding his dream vacation, revealed Tuesday at Make-A-Wish Nevada’s The Wishing Place in Las Vegas.

Sanchez’s wish includes scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming with sharks, and touring the Jurassic Park experience. The trip was originally scheduled for last September but was postponed after Sanchez fell ill and spent a month hospitalized.

“These kinds of moments are pretty special to be part of with Make-A-Wish,” said A’s president Marc Badain, who attended the ceremony alongside mascot Stomper. “It’s something the organization has always supported throughout its years in the Bay Area and is now excited to make that connection coming here.”

Sanchez’s initial treatment involved spinal and regular chemotherapy twice a week. That has since been reduced to oral medication and chemotherapy every two months. His older brother, Andrew, recalled sitting with Dylan during long nights in the hospital, guiding him through treatment.

“Just being there to support him,” Andrew said. “This means a lot to families like ours, that there are people out there looking out for us and knowing what Dylan has gone through.”

Make-A-Wish Nevada has granted 118 wishes since September and works with 254 families statewide. President and CEO Scott Rosenzweig said the organization aims to grant one wish per day.

“When we have partners like the A’s, it’s huge,” Rosenzweig said. “It shows Dylan there is more than just family supporting him on his journey with leukemia.”

Sanchez said he has tried to stay positive, ask Jesus for help, and eat healthy. His mother, Brenda Carrillo, recalled the fear and shock of his diagnosis but praised his resilience. “I just want to see him happy,” she said. “He will get to enjoy activities he has never tried before.”