About A Second Wish By Demetrius

Meet Demetrius

Demetrius was diagnosed at the age of 2 1/2 with an ependymoma brain tumor. An ependymoma brain tumor is a malignant primary brain tumor. Treatment for this is very complex. Demetrius recovered from his first surgery surprising the doctors and began attending Montessori School at Holy Rosary in Cleveland, Ohio at age 3. He also started playing the piano. His tumor returned at age 7 and he was granted a wish of a piano. Demetrius was making progress when the tumor returned a third time at age 12 and he wanted a second wish of a train ride with his family from Tampa to Orlando with a stop in Atlanta to visit his great-grandmother one last time. He would have had to fly a portion of the trip as his health was failing. The trip would be costly and the family reached out to other “wish granting organizations” across the country; all of whom could not assist because he had been granted a wish from another organization.

Demetrius died at age 12 with his second wish unfulfilled. A Second Wish By Demetrius was established because of Demetrius’ unfulfilled wish. With advances in medicine and treatments, children with life-threatening illnesses are living longer and should have an opportunity to receive “A SECOND WISH.”

Our Beginnings

A Second Wish By Demetrius Inc. was founded in 2008 in memory of my nephew Demetrius, with a goal of providing second wishes to children with life threatening illnesses and giving scholarships to children to attend the school he loved so much. The doctors gave Demetrius a slim chance on survival and from that moment he became my inspiration and a “miracle child.”

Over the next 10 years, despite of all his physical challenges and recurring battles with brain cancer, he smiled, didn’t complain, and wanted to be a “good shepherd.” The Annual D’Light Run, Remembering “D” 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk was established in 2009 in memory of Demetrius and has continued to grow every year. He was a true inspiration to everyone who was blessed by having known him. His classmates wrote and published a book, Remembering “D”, in 2009 to share his story with the world. Proceeds from the book are used to provide scholarships in Demetrius’ name to support students desiring a Montessori education at Cleveland Montessori. 

In 2016 A Second Wish By Demetrius Inc. began granting second wishes. Demetrius had a great love for his family, school, classmates and teachers. It is the goal of A Second Wish By Demetrius Inc. to keep his memory alive and strong in the community by granting second wishes, continuing the Annual D’Light Run, and providing support services to the under resourced to improve their quality of life.

Yours in Service,

Angela Small, Founder 

A Second Wish By Demetrius Inc. 501(c) 3 Organization
Phone: 813-330-2555 | Fax: 813-252-6937
Mailing Address: PO Box 25912, Tampa, FL 33622
Physical Address: 4202 E. Busch Blvd. #5 Tampa, FL. 33617
Email: [email protected]

“A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.” #CH46508

Due to an overwhelming response to request for second wishes,
we are currently not accepting new applications.
Please continue to check our website for updates.