At birth Benedek was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a diagnosis that has since affected all aspects of his life. Cystic fibrosis, known as CF is a multi-system disease, primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system. In the lungs, mucus build-up causes severe respiratory problems making it difficult to clear bacteria from the lungs. This can lead to cycles of infection and inflammation, which damage delicate lung tissue. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. Large quantities of digestive enzymes, an average of 20 pills a day, must be consumed with every meal and snack.

Despite the daily challenges of his illness, sixteen year old Benedek remains an upbeat young man who enjoys typical teenage pursuits. He enjoys hockey, swimming and perusing the latest gear at his favorite store, The Goalie Shop. Referred to the Children’s Wish Foundation by his social worker at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Benedek was given the opportunity to realize his most heartfelt wish. It wasn’t long before he knew exactly what we wanted; a family trip to the Beaches Resort in Providenciales Turks & Caicos.

This February, Benedek, his younger sister Charly and his parents, Christine and Robin enjoyed a week long adventure exploring the beauty of this pristine island. The resort’s twelve mile beach provided the perfect venue for low key afternoons spent lounging in the sun and there was no shortage of activities to enjoy, including sailing the crystal clear waters, mastering the resort’s surfing simulator and parasailing! No doubt, the family’s week long stay in paradise was the perfect opportunity to make memories to last a lifetime. Judging by their smiles, it's fair to say Benedek's wish proved to be everything the family had hoped for and more.

And with his surfer style hair, Benedek certainly looks right at home on the beach!