A 14-year-old Summerville boy who chose to help others rather than use his Make-A-Wish opportunity for himself is receiving national recognition for his extraordinary act of kindness.
Jude Baker, who was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, when he was just 12 years old, has been named a recipient of the Make-A-Wish America Infinite Wish Award.
After undergoing months of chemotherapy, Jude qualified to receive a wish through Make-A-Wish Georgia. While many children choose vacations, special experiences or opportunities to meet their heroes, Jude had something different in mind.
During his trips to the hospital, Jude had noticed people experiencing homelessness and wanted to find a way to help them.
Instead of asking for something for himself, he used his wish to provide meals for more than 300 people, along with sleeping bags and backpacks filled with essential supplies.
Jude even waited until everyone else had been served before eating himself.
His remarkable act of generosity attracted attention far beyond his hometown, eventually earning him the Infinite Wish Award from Make-A-Wish America. The national award recognizes wishes that bring people together and inspire kindness long after the original wish has been granted.
According to a report shared by journalist Kaitlyn Ross, representatives from Make-A-Wish Georgia surprised Jude and his parents with news of the award while he was recovering from a hospital stay. His family said his face immediately lit up when he learned he had been selected.
Jude is also approaching another important milestone in his recovery. On January 27, he is expected to reach two years cancer-free, which would make him eligible to move forward with a kidney transplant.
During an earlier interview about his decision to help others, Jude offered a simple message about the importance of kindness.
“It doesn’t have to come from a wish. You can help, too.”
Jude’s story is now being recognized nationally, shining a spotlight on a young man from Summerville whose greatest wish was to make life better for people he had never met.
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