For years, Jeremy & Karalie DeLuca have been known for building strength—both in the gym and in the community. But behind their success is a deeply personal mission born from the loss of their daughter, Jayden, and a desire to turn unimaginable heartbreak into something that helps other families.
Through the Jayden DeLuca Foundation, the DeLucas have made it their mission to support children and families facing serious heart conditions. Their work is rooted in a simple idea: when a family is navigating fear, uncertainty and long hospital stays, even a small gesture can bring hope.
That mission will take center stage August 17 at Eagle Island State Park at 6pm, where 13-year-old Liberty, of Jerome, will have her Make-A-Wish Idaho wish granted. Liberty was born with a heart condition that has required three surgeries and an implant, with additional surgeries expected in the future. After being referred to Make-A-Wish Idaho in March, she knew exactly what she wanted to do—not just for herself, but for other children living with heart conditions.
Liberty wished to give stuffed bears to cardiac patients, each wearing a T-shirt featuring a prayer. The verse she selected is Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
For Liberty, the wish is about giving others the same love and compassion she has received throughout her own medical journey.
Her wish celebration will bring together approximately 75 people, including dozens of Jayden DeLuca “Heart Heroes” and their families. The evening will include food, games and, ultimately, the moment Liberty sees her wish come to life. Her wish also includes a $2,500 donation to the Jayden DeLuca Foundation, extending its impact beyond one special evening.
For the DeLucas, moments like this carry a significance that goes far beyond a single event. Their foundation was created from personal loss, but its purpose is centered on life—helping children with heart conditions and their families feel supported, seen and encouraged.
And Liberty’s story is a powerful reminder of why that work matters. A child who has endured surgeries and faces an uncertain medical future chose to spend her wish thinking about other children. Instead of asking only for something for herself, she chose to give comfort, faith and a tangible reminder that someone cares.
That is the heart of a wish.
Make-A-Wish Idaho emphasizes that a wish is not a child’s “last wish.” Most children who qualify because of critical illnesses survive and go on to live healthy, happy lives. Wishes can give children something positive to look forward to while helping them cope with treatment, surgeries and the uncertainty that can accompany serious illness.
Since its founding, Make-A-Wish Idaho has granted more than 2,000 wishes to children throughout the state. Yet the organization says there are still many eligible children whose wishes are never referred, making community awareness and support essential.
In Liberty’s case, one wish will put dozens of stuffed bears into the hands of children who understand what it means to face a heart condition. And behind those bears will be a message of faith, compassion and hope.
It is a fitting legacy for the DeLuca family: taking a story that began with profound loss and using it to help make someone else’s difficult journey a little brighter.
Sometimes strength isn’t measured by what we can carry ourselves. Sometimes it is measured by what we choose to give to someone else.
For Liberty, that gift is a bear, a prayer and a reminder that she—and the children she hopes to reach—are not alone.
