About A Second Wish By Demetrius
Demetrius' Story
At just 2 ½ years old, Demetrius was diagnosed with an ependymoma, a rare and aggressive brain tumor. Despite the challenges, he recovered from his first surgery and amazed his doctors. By age 3, he was thriving, attending Montessori School at Holy Rosary in Cleveland, Ohio, and discovering his love for piano.
At age 7, the tumor returned, and Demetrius was granted his first wish: a piano. He continued to show resilience, but the tumor came back a third time at age 12. Demetrius dreamed of a second wish—a train trip with his family from Tampa to Orlando, with a stop in Atlanta to visit his great-grandmother.
However, his health was deteriorating, and the trip required a costly combination of train and air travel. Unfortunately, no wish granting organization across the country would grant his second wish because he had already received one.
Demetrius passed away at 12, leaving his second wish unfulfilled. A Second Wish By Demetrius was founded to ensure that children facing life-threatening illnesses have the opportunity to experience a second wish, bringing hope and lasting memories to their families.
In 2009, his classmates honored his memory by publishing Remembering "D", a heartfelt tribute.
Our History
2008
The Beginning of a Legacy
A Second Wish By Demetrius was founded to honor Demetrius' unfulfilled second wish.
2009
A Story Shared
The Annual D’Light Run, Remembering “D” 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk was established Demetrius’ and his classmates publish Remembering “D”, sharing his story and inspiring others.
2016
First Second Wish Granted
The first second wish was granted, marking the beginning of a journey to create cherished memories for families.
2016-2020
Making Dreams Come True
14 second wishes were granted, impacting 30 family members.
2020-2024
A Pause But Not An End
Wish-granting pauses during the pandemic, but the mission continues through advocacy and planning for a brighter future.
2025-2026
A New Chapter of Growth and Giving
Following a period of rebuilding and planning, A Second Wish By Demetrius renewed its commitment to granting second wishes and strengthening support for children and families facing life-threatening illnesses.
Our Beginnings
A Second Wish By Demetrius was founded in 2008 in memory of Demetrius Cameron Lee Smith.
After watching Demetrius face a life-threatening illness with courage and determination, I was inspired to create an organization dedicated to granting second wishes to children facing life-threatening illnesses.
Today, it is my privilege to honor his memory by helping children and families create meaningful memories through the granting of Second Wishes.
Yours in Service,
Angela Small
Founder