About A Second Wish By Demetrius
Meet Demetrius
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 legacy by publishing Remembering “D”, a heartfelt tribute
Our History
2008
The Beginning of a Legacy
A Second Wish By Demetrius is founded to honor Demetrius' unfulfilled second wish, bringing hope to children with life-threatening illnesses.
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 is granted, marking the beginning of a journey to create cherished memories for families.
2016-2020
Making Dreams Come True
14 wishes are granted, impacting 30 family members. Families experience magical moments, including visits to Central Florida theme parks.
2020-2023
A Pause But Not An End
Wish-granting pauses during the pandemic, but the mission continues through advocacy and planning for a brighter future.
2024
A New Chapter of Hope
🚀 Relaunching with new initiatives like Hope Reimagined and Wellness Reimagined, aiming to expand our impact and fulfill even more second wishes.
Our Beginnings
Angela Small is the founder of A Second Wish By Demetrius, a nonprofit inspired by the life and legacy of her nephew, Demetrius. At just two years old, Demetrius was given a slim chance of survival, but his incredible resilience made him a “miracle child” and Angela’s greatest inspiration.
His unfulfilled second wish led Angela to create an organization dedicated to granting second wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, bringing them renewed hope and joy.
Angela holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Central State University and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Walden University. She proudly serves on the board of her alma mater, Central State University, contributing to its mission and vision.
Currently, Angela teaches at a technical college, where she prepares adults to earn their National Child Development Associate certification, fostering the next generation of educators.
Her commitment to education and community shines through her work both inside and outside the classroom.
Committed to empowering youth, Angela has also returned to coaching as one of the head coaches for the AAU Girls’ basketball team, Tampa Bay Elite.
Through her work in education, sports, and A Second Wish By Demetrius, Angela continues to honor her nephew’s legacy by helping children and families create unforgettable memories during life’s most challenging times.
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.