Make-A-Wish grants dream Hawaii trip for Bennington teen battling kidney failure

MadisonRose Christensen's family vacation provided joy during her difficult health journey.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:34am

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A translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structure of a human kidney, glowing against a dark background and symbolizing the fragility and strength of the organ that sustained a teenager's life during her health battle.A Make-A-Wish trip to Hawaii provided a much-needed respite for a Nebraska teen battling kidney failure as she awaited a life-saving transplant.Omaha Today

Make-A-Wish Nebraska granted a special trip to Hawaii for 16-year-old MadisonRose Christensen, who was battling kidney failure and awaiting a life-saving transplant. The organization planned every detail of the family vacation, which provided relief and happiness during a challenging time.

Why it matters

The Make-A-Wish program aims to bring joy and hope to critically ill children, helping them and their families find moments of happiness amidst difficult health battles. MadisonRose's story highlights how these special trips can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young patients and their loved ones.

The details

MadisonRose, now 16, had been experiencing severe nosebleeds and declining health for over a year before doctors discovered she was in stage 5 kidney failure with only 7% kidney function remaining. She began nightly dialysis and was placed on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. During this difficult waiting period, Make-A-Wish Nebraska offered MadisonRose a wish, and she chose a family trip to Hawaii. The organization planned every detail of the vacation, accommodating MadisonRose's medical needs. The trip provided much-needed relief and joy for the family.

  • In July 2024, a blood panel revealed MadisonRose was in stage 5 kidney failure.
  • MadisonRose received her kidney transplant in June 2025, with her mother Nichole donating a kidney through a paired exchange program.
  • June 2026 will mark one year since MadisonRose's successful transplant.

The players

MadisonRose Christensen

A 16-year-old Bennington, Nebraska resident who was battling kidney failure and awaiting a life-saving transplant.

Nichole Christensen

MadisonRose's mother, who donated a kidney to her daughter through a paired exchange program.

Make-A-Wish Nebraska

The local chapter of the national non-profit organization that grants wishes to critically ill children.

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What they’re saying

“Her hemoglobins got to such a low point that her organs were shutting down. We went through multiple bone marrow biopsies just to try to figure it out. The doctor said, enough is enough, let's do a bone marrow transplant. That's what's going to fix her.”

— Nichole Christensen, MadisonRose's mother

“It was very hard, because it was something that like you had to hide, just because it wasn't normal for anyone.”

— MadisonRose Christensen

“It was amazing. We walked around Honolulu and we looked at the shops, and we went to the beach.”

— MadisonRose Christensen

What’s next

June 2026 will mark one year since MadisonRose's successful kidney transplant. She is now focused on her recovery, staying active with school clubs, tennis, and musicals, and plans to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner to help others like the medical team that cared for her.

The takeaway

Make-A-Wish's ability to grant special wishes for critically ill children like MadisonRose provides a much-needed respite and source of joy during incredibly difficult health battles. The organization's support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young patients and their families.