Mountain View Teen Completed Make-A-Wish Trip to Ireland
Kyri Collins traveled to Ireland in August 2026 to visit the home of her favorite author.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Special Needs
Kyri Collins, a 15-year-old from Mountain View, fulfilled her wish in August 2026 by traveling to Ireland. The trip included a visit to Fota Wildlife Park where she met her favorite author, Chloe Walsh.
Why it matters
The journey provided a respite for the teenager, who has been managing a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 2 since 2025. This condition has required multiple surgeries and significant medical intervention, including a procedure to remove two brain tumors.
Kyri Collins is a 15-year-old patient currently facing tumor growth in her brain and spine. The trip involved touring historic sites like the 600-year-old Blarney stone during her stay in Ireland.
The players
Kyri Collins
She is a 15-year-old resident of Mountain View currently undergoing treatment for neurofibromatosis type 2.
Chloe Walsh
She is an author known for her book series and spent a day with the Collins family at Fota Wildlife Park.
Jason's Friends Foundation
This organization provided the family with critical financial assistance for their travel and medical costs.
Make-A-Wish
This foundation worked across state and international chapters to organize the meeting with the author.
The details
Coordinated by the Wyoming Make-A-Wish chapter, the trip allowed Kyri to explore her favorite book setting with stops in Cobh, Killarney, and the Cliffs of Moher. Following the excursion, doctors discovered new tumors that are now affecting the teen's balance, vision, and hearing.
Timeline
April 2025: Kyri Collins suffered a grand mal seizure.
June 2025: The teen underwent surgery to remove two brain tumors.
August 2026: The Collins family completed their wish trip to Ireland.
Culture Shift
The travel experience highlights the increasing efforts of non-profit organizations to facilitate international connections for youth managing chronic health conditions. This trend represents a shift toward personalized advocacy that prioritizes patient-specific interests over standardized support.
For families in Mountain View navigating complex health diagnoses, the assistance provided by local foundations can be essential for accessing specialized support. These resources often serve as the primary means for covering travel expenses when medical treatment requires care outside the region.
The takeaway
Focusing on personal passions can provide essential emotional support for youth navigating complex medical recoveries. Establishing a network of support early, including local foundations, can help families manage the significant costs associated with specialized care.
Further reading
Learn more about support systems for families in our Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SweetwaterNOW.
