Because of complications related to prematurity, the Ballard family had always known that one day their son John would likely need a liver transplant. That day arrived when John was 18 years old, after he suffered a significant gastrointestinal bleed and was admitted to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Doctors confirmed that the time had come, and John was officially listed for a liver transplant.

John received his transplant a year and a half ago, and during that time, Make-A-Wish approached him to ask what his greatest wish would be. The answer came easily. John had always dreamed of meeting the NYPD.

Once John was healthy and stable enough following his transplant, plans began for his long-awaited trip to New York City. But before the journey even began, something extraordinary happened. 

The day before they were scheduled to leave, the Ballard family received a letter that felt nothing short of kismet. There are strict guidelines surrounding contact between donor families and transplant recipients, and it is typically recommended to wait at least a year. Still, that day, they heard from the mother of John’s organ donor.

She thanked them for the sympathy letter they had sent early on and shared something incredibly meaningful: her son’s name was Ethan. Until that moment, the Ballards had only known that the donor was close to John’s age. Finally, having a name for the young man who had given John a second chance at life was profoundly moving. It gave them someone they could speak about with John, someone they had thought about every single day.

The following morning, Make-A-Wish made sure John’s adventure began in unforgettable fashion. His favorite local news station, WLKY, surprised him with an interview at home before departure. Decorations and well-wishes filled the house, setting the tone for a magical experience.

Then came another surprise. A dear family friend and John’s favorite officer, Lieutenant Steve McAtee of the Louisville Metro Police Department, arranged for several LMPD officers to arrive at their home to wish John a happy Make-A-Wish Day. Lieutenant McAtee personally escorted the family to the airport, where Chief Paul Humphrey, several officers, and the United Airlines crew were waiting to give John a heartfelt send-off.

Once in New York, the experience only grew more extraordinary. Make-A-Wish coordinated a remarkable itinerary that included a full day with the NYPD, a visit to the 9/11 Museum and Memorial, tickets to the Rockettes 100th Anniversary Christmas Spectacular, and a tour of Manhattan’s holiday lights aboard the North Pole Express double-decker bus. The family also enjoyed VIP visits to FAO Schwarz, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Santaland at Macy’s, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Grand Central Terminal, Summit One, and Bryant Park’s Winter Village. Their unforgettable trip concluded with a special dinner at Tavern on the Green, where the manager graciously treated the family to their meal.

John’s first official day with the NYPD began when Lieutenants Mike and Danny picked the family up at their hotel and took them to NYPD headquarters for a behind-the-scenes tour. They visited “the hive,” a massive central control room where live video streams from across the city are monitored alongside Secret Service and FBI personnel during major events. John learned about the department’s drone program, watched a demonstration, and discovered how the technology helps officers respond more quickly in New York’s challenging traffic conditions.

One of the most meaningful moments came when John met NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. She spent 20 minutes talking with him and presented him with a gift bag that included a commissioner’s pin and coin (a treasured keepsake).

From there, the adventure continued with visits to the Emergency Services Unit, where John explored SWAT vehicles, met K-9 officers, and visited the mounted patrol. He toured the aviation unit and climbed inside helicopters. The highlight of the day came at the 19th Precinct, where John’s wish truly came to life.

He was given a captain’s jacket, attended roll call, and climbed into a patrol car. With lights flashing, sirens sounding, and the PA system announcing his presence, John rode through Manhattan as “Officer John,” joyfully telling pedestrians to clear the way. His special day was even featured on NYPD and LMPD social media pages.

Looking back, the Ballard family says they are grateful they allowed John to take the lead in designing his Make-A-Wish experience.

“Christmas time in New York is truly magical,” they shared. “We saw nothing short of the best of humanity the entire trip. We never imagined a trip to visit NYPD would be so fulfilling and amazing, but it truly was the trip of a lifetime.”

The family continues to stay in touch with the NYPD friends they made along the way and remains deeply grateful for the support they received from their community, friends, Make-A-Wish, NYPD, LMPD, and Network for Hope.

They hope to one day pay that kindness forward just as Ethan and his family so selflessly did.