Making Dreams Come True | Video

Chris Williams | 3/7/2013

There are some things children should never have to experience, like being diagnosed with a disease. Unfortunately, some kids are diagnosed, and have to fight the uphill battle. One young man in Williston is dealing a genetic disease called Mitochondrial. According to MitochondrialDisease.org, nearly two million Americans have this incurable disease.

Michael Bergstrom was born with Mitochondrial disease, which doesn`t allow his organs to function normally because his mitochondria don`t receive enough oxygen.

"On Michael it attacks his, it`s been beating on his digestive system, his nervous system, and his immune system mostly. You have to really watch what he is around, colds, flu, and things like that," said his dad, Scott Bergstrom.

Michael`s immune system functions around 50 percent. Only 14 years old, Michael has already had seven surgeries, and more doctors visits and hospital stays than his parents can even count.

"He gets what they call a mitochondrial crisis, when his system just crashes on him. Then he usually ends up having to get medical attention to come back up through that," added Scott.

Michael and his friends are big fans of playing airsoft.

"It`s a step down from paintball, to some people it is," Michael said.

Instead of shooting paintballs, airsoft guns shoot tiny plastic balls. He`s usually plays around his house. Michael`s doctors suggested he sign up for Make A Wish, now this May, Michael`s dream is coming true.

"I`ve been wanting to go to a big airsoft field. Not the small close quarter stuff like I`ve been usually doing, but like a big open forested field. I`m taking a trip to an airsoft field in Vermont."

According to Michael, getting hit with by the plastic pellets isn`t all that bad.

"I`ve kind of gotten used to it. For me it`s kind of like a small bee sting, and you kind of wipe it off and keep going."

Energy Outreach, a group made up of six oil companies, presented Make A Wish with $12,000. That money will be used for Michael`s wish, along with another wish.

"All of the things we`ve been able to do through the energy outreach group this far have been really fantastic, but this is extra special. Especially in an event and a day like today, when we actually get to present and put a face to the actual fund that we`re distributing," said Kyle Schindler from Baker Hughes.

Make a Wish is hoping to grant 37 wishes to North Dakota kids this year.

"Our vision is to grant every eligible child`s wish. It`s because of organizations like energy outreach that make that possible for us. We`re funded completely by individuals and organizations such as this. It`s because of them Michael’s wish is coming true," said Make A Wish Coordinator Dana Altendorf.

And Michael can hardly wait. "It`s probably going to be a lot of fun, that`s what I think."

Michael will making the trip with his family and one of his friends.

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