Picture: Jean admires the ocean with his mother in the natural reserve of Torrey Pines in California.

Jean is a young man eager for learning with a passion for geography and exploration. If his nose isn’t in his Atlas, it’s only because he is consulting a book on animals or another one on insects.

Jean lost the use of his legs at the age of 12 due to muscular dystrophy. At 17, he had to undergo a risky operation to the spine. It was during the rehabilitation period that followed this intervention that he heard about the Children’s Wish Foundation. He had no doubt that his wish would include a trip, but he had long conversations with his father before making a final decision. There were so many destinations to choose from! His choice finally settled on California. The main goal of his trip? To see a desert tortoise.

So Jean began to explore Californian nature and fauna in the spring with his parents and brother and sister. Their itinerary included a visit to the Torrey Pines State Reserve, which at the time of their visit was in full bloom, the San Diego Zoo and its lush flora, and the Joshua Tree National Park where they saw this famous desert tortoise. They also had the opportunity to see strange looking quails at the park exit! The whole family thoroughly enjoyed this adventure filled with laughter and happiness.

The trip to California allowed Jean to realize his dream to experience a larger than life expedition. It was a marvelous week he will never forget. He now has a lot of images to add to his explorer’s scrapbook and has already begun to look at another destination : Cambodia.

Jean was granted his wish thanks to the generosity of Cadillac Fairview.