At Christmas, wishes are something that we typically write down or put on a tree, but for a young man who just had a liver transplant, his wish is all about second chances and new experiences. “This is the greatest, like, Christmas gift I ever gotten,” said 18-year-old John Ballard. A smile that says more than words ever could. Ballard is a Make-A-Wish recipient, and this holiday season, his wish is taking him to New York City to meet the NYPD.“I was almost crying ’cause I’d even noticed this happening. And I was surprised,” he said. Waiting outside his home, a row of LMPD officers lined up to send him to the airport in style.“It’s so nice to see him have some joy and happiness in it. Helps you forget a lot of the time afterwards. That was so painful for so long,” said his mom, Angela. A time when he spent time in Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. His family says this moment was only possible because of another young man named Ethan.“He was at the top of the list and had a 24-hour period where he had to get a liver transplant. And we got the call that they found a liver. And we were very grateful that we were the recipients of that, and they made that decision to donate his organs,” said Angela. Brandy Scott with Make-A-Wish says stories like this one never get old. “We like to be that organization that always says ‘yes’ to bringing that joy into their life and to making things happen,” said Scott.To grant a simple wish and one unforgettable send-off, complete with a ride to the airport from his favorite officer.And while he is in New York, John says he is also excited to check out one of the big toy stores and, of course, eat some really good food.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

At Christmas, wishes are something that we typically write down or put on a tree, but for a young man who just had a liver transplant, his wish is all about second chances and new experiences.

“This is the greatest, like, Christmas gift I ever gotten,” said 18-year-old John Ballard.

A smile that says more than words ever could. Ballard is a Make-A-Wish recipient, and this holiday season, his wish is taking him to New York City to meet the NYPD.

“I was almost crying ’cause I’d even noticed this happening. And I was surprised,” he said.

Waiting outside his home, a row of LMPD officers lined up to send him to the airport in style.

“It’s so nice to see him have some joy and happiness in it. Helps you forget a lot of the time afterwards. That was so painful for so long,” said his mom, Angela.

A time when he spent time in Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. His family says this moment was only possible because of another young man named Ethan.

“He was at the top of the list and had a 24-hour period where he had to get a liver transplant. And we got the call that they found a liver. And we were very grateful that we were the recipients of that, and they made that decision to donate his organs,” said Angela.

Brandy Scott with Make-A-Wish says stories like this one never get old.

“We like to be that organization that always says ‘yes’ to bringing that joy into their life and to making things happen,” said Scott.

To grant a simple wish and one unforgettable send-off, complete with a ride to the airport from his favorite officer.

And while he is in New York, John says he is also excited to check out one of the big toy stores and, of course, eat some really good food.