SPOKANE, Wash. – A big yellow school bus is not a common sight in most backyards, but for the Kieffer family in Spokane, it is a special blessing.
The bus is a gift from the Wishing Star Foundation, which grants wishes for terminally ill children ages 3 to 21.
Benji Kieffer, a 17-year-old, became part of the Wishing Star family in 2019. Born at just 28 weeks, he faced numerous health challenges including hydrocephalus, gastrointestinal issues, and kidney problems.
Despite these challenges, Benji’s love for buses has remained strong.
The Kieffers say they are grateful to Wishing Star for granting Benji’s wish of owning a big yellow bus. “We kind of put together that maybe his favorite thing would be to have his own,” they said. “I was impressed and shocked that they could put that together and make it happen.”
Wishing Star goes beyond just granting wishes, according to the Kieffer family. “They don’t just say have a nice life after they grant your wish, but they have been intricately involved in everything that goes on with him,” they said.
Benji’s passion for buses extends beyond his backyard. His birthdays often include bus hopping at STA and CityLine bus stops, and he has a deep love for the Magic School Bus.
The Kieffer family emphasizes that Wishing Star has been instrumental in supporting their son and making his dreams come true. “They really care about the kids and the families. They aren’t just doing a job,” they said.
Even though the bus remains stationary in their suburban backyard, the Kieffers feel that Wishing Star’s support is ongoing. “You never feel like a number with them,” they said. “As long as you engage with them, they are right there.”
Wishing Star has been there for the Kieffer family at every step. Benji enjoys the bus every day, describing it as “the wish that never stops giving.”
More information on the Wishing Star Foundation can be found on their website.
