At just 20 years old, Carl Joshua already carries a story of courage far beyond his years. A wish kid and cancer survivor, Carl is now a youth leader in his community, serving as an SK member while pursuing his BS in Nursing. When he isn’t studying or helping his barangay, you’ll likely find him on the basketball court—his favorite way to unwind and connect with friends. “Basketball gives me joy,” he shares. “It’s the one thing that always makes me smile.”
Finding Strength in Faith, Family, and Resilience
When asked what makes him feel brave, Carl doesn’t hesitate:
“Si God po. Hindi niya ako pinabayaan. Andiyan din ang parents ko to guide me and remind me not to give up.”
It’s this deep well of faith and family support that strengthened him throughout his journey as a child with a critical illness. And even now, as he steps into adulthood, Carl carries the same determination that helped him overcome cancer.
A Wish Inspired by Perseverance
Carl’s wish is one rooted in purpose: to finish his studies and have good health.
It’s a wish built on years of hoping, healing, and staying committed to his dreams.
“Yes,” he says. “Graduating despite everything I went through would already be a huge blessing.”
This isn’t Carl’s first experience with Make-A-Wish. Back in November 2015, he received his first wish—to be a chef. Even if it was for a short moment, the experience made a lasting mark on his life. “Natupad po ang hiling ko. Kahit kaunting oras lang, chef ako,” he recalls with a smile.
A Moment of Joy and a Milestone of Strength
Among all the memories from his first wish experience, one stands above the rest: the moment he held his certificate declaring him a cancer survivor.
“That was my favorite part,” Carl says. “’Yun ang pinakapaborito ko… na gumaling ako.”
He immediately thought of the people he wanted to share the joy with—those who stood by him during the hardest days: Ma’am Rory, Ma’am Tess, Ma’am Rita, and all the peers he met at PCMC who helped him stay strong.
Life After the Wish
After his wish, Carl felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and relief. “Super happy po,” he says. “Nalampasan ko yung hirap na dinanas ko.”
His journey has taught him valuable lessons he carries to this day:
“Wag maging pasaway. Maging mabuting anak.”
Simple words, spoken with maturity shaped by hardship and hope.
A Message of Encouragement to Other Wish Kids
Carl’s heart is focused not just on his own future, but on lifting others who are on journeys similar to his. His message to children with critical illnesses is unwavering:
“Pray lang kay God. Siya ang the best way. Sakit lang ‘yan—survivor tayo. Kung kaya ko, kaya niyo rin. Laban lang.”
Looking Forward
Today, Carl is eager to see his wish come true—to graduate and continue serving others as a future nurse. But more than that, he hopes for something bigger: that other wish kids will also overcome their illnesses and find comfort, strength, and hope—just as he did.
If he were to describe his wish in one thought, he shares a powerful line:
“Sa isang butas ng karayom, kahit gaano kaliit o kasikip, laban lang. Giginhawa din tayo.”
A Thank You to the WishMakers
Carl’s gratitude for everyone who made his first wish possible remains deep and sincere:
“Thank you, Make-A-Wish, na isa ako sa mga bata noon na tinupad ninyo ang hiling na maging chef. Kayo po ang daan para matupad ko ang pangarap ko. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa inyo.”