9-year-old Waterloo boy will get Make-A-Wish dream of being slimed

WATERLOO, Iowa (KCRG) - On Wednesday, Make-A-Wish Iowa told a 9-year-old boy from Waterloo they would finally be granting the wish that he’s been waiting 5 years for.

Parker has a cancerous brain tumor. He’s always dreamed of being slimed, just like on Nickelodeon.

The pandemic delayed Parker’s wish, but now, it’s official. Next month, he and his family will attend the Nickelodeon’s Kid Choice Awards- where he will be slimed by the professionals.

Make-A-Wish Iowa held its Alumni day at Lost Island on Wednesday, and used the event to bring Parker’s entire family out to make the announcement.

“We’re very proud of him, and he’s so strong,” says Shelby Hill, Parker’s mom. “To see, you know when he was four years old, going through this entire process. I mean, you can’t even wrap your head around, you know, four year old going through something that that he did.”

Make A Wish Iowa president and CEO Sara Kurovski says wishes are in high demand in Iowa. “We have kids waiting in 80 of Iowa’s 99 counties, so over 300 kids waiting for our wish. And we do cover the whole state,” says Kurvoski.

And each wish comes with a big average price tag of around $15,000. But for Kurovski, getting to tell kids like Parker their wishes are coming true is priceless. ”Everybody has a different response, but to know that they are getting their wish and we got to bring the joy for them. That’s our only job. It’s just the best. It’s the best job,” says Kurvoski.

All donations to Make-A-Wish Iowa stay in the state and help grant wishes for Iowa’s wish kids. You can find more information on how to donate here.