A Minecraft experience and a young boy’s ‘Wish’ granted by Microsoft

A devoted Minecraft fan, Jude arrived at the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub thinking he was there for a simple tour of the Esports Innovation Lab and to meet Microsoft professionals. What he didn’t know was that his dream of stepping into the Mojang Studios Stockholm office, developers of Minecraft, was about to come true. In spectacular fashion, there were mobs (the nonhostile kind) waiting to launch popcorn and confetti cannons as part of a fully customized experience designed just for him.

As pioneers who inspire and connect users to create joy through technology, Microsoft gave Jude a tour of the different innovations throughout the 1819 building.

 “Meeting Jude and seeing his face light up as his wish came to life was an unforgettable experience,” said Chris Carper, director of customer success at Microsoft. “It's a reminder of why we do what we do. Partnering with Make-A-Wish and turning Jude’s passion into a real-world adventure is a privilege, and we’re honored to be part of a moment that will stay with him and with us forever.”

Jude’s parents recall the moment they first heard the words Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare, progressive disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the dystrophin gene. Their son was 6 years old before receiving the diagnosis, a delay that is all too common for families facing this disease. Now, they are passionate advocates for newborn screening, believing early detection is critical to starting timely interventions. DMD is often misdiagnosed and, once it takes hold, irreversibly weakens and damages muscle over time.

“A wish is not just a fleeting gift, it’s a powerful source of hope and healing,” said Katie Ferrell, vice president of marketing and community engagement for the nonprofit. “For children like Jude, who face unthinkable challenges, a wish reminds them that joy and wonder are still possible. Minecraft is more than just a game; it’s a creative universe where kids like Jude can explore, build and imagine without limits. We’re incredibly grateful to the 1819 Innovation Hub, Microsoft and Mojang Studios for helping bring this wish to life.”

While there have been many advancements in the management of DMD, there is no cure at present. Ohio is one of only three states in the U.S. that currently test infants for the disease.

Lauren Janning, advancement officer for Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana, was present to witness the reveal. She noted that roughly 80% of Wish Kids go on to overcome their illnesses and live healthy lives. And she should know. Janning herself is a former “Wish Kid.” She now dedicates her life to the organization that helped save hers and shares how many say their “wish” marked a turning point in their recovery journey.

“This was such a powerful moment for Jude and his family,” Nicola Ziady, UC’s chief marketing officer. “He’s an inspiring example of strength and imagination, and it’s moments like this that show how 1819 Innovation Hub goes beyond expectations, uniting with world-class corporate partners like Microsoft to turn bold ideas into reality.”

Right now, Ferrell shares that there are 204 children in southern Ohio waiting for their wishes to be granted. Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana relies entirely on community support to make these life-changing experiences possible.

“It’s more than wish-granting; it’s a global movement of transforming lives through hope,” Ferrell added. “Now more than ever, the world needs the hope of a wish.”

Make-A-Wish continues to create transformative experiences for children with critical illnesses. To help make wishes like Jude’s come true, visit oki.wish.org/donate.