Communities have the ability to make magic. Through the guiding hands of a thoughtful community and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Hayman family will set off for the Magic Kingdom to draw a close to a tumultuous year. Through the grace and compassion of friends and community members, Cooper Hayman was given the opportunity to make his wish. It wasn’t easy for Cooper to think of a wish for himself ― he really just wishes for everyone to be happy. But after much conversation with Make-A-Wish volunteers and wish-granters Courtney and Lynn Leighton, Cooper said he would like to see what Disney is all about. “Immediately when we met him, we knew this was meant to be, we will continue to reach out and want him to know we’re there for him ... he’s happy with life and easy to love,” said Lynn Leighton, Make-A-Wish volunteer. Cooper Hayman, from Inter-Lakes Middle High School, was diagnosed a year ago with a rare form of cancer that affects children and teens, rhabdomyosarcoma. The year has been filled with many challenging times, but through the embrace of the community, the Hayman family has felt the love. In particular, Inter-Lakes Elementary School Counselor Kate Clark and sixth-grade Teacher Margaret Healey have kept Cooper connected to school and have been a “force for love and support,” said Cooper’s father Tim Hayman. In addition, Cooper’s peers Lucas Hurd and Lexi MacDonald were instrumental in maintaining a connection between the school and Cooper as well as the Make-A-Wish organization to the Hayman family; both students have helped to raise money for the nonprofit through the Rafting For Wishes fundraiser held right here in Meredith Bay every summer. Both of Cooper’s parents work at Inter-Lakes. His mother, Meg, is a sixth grade teacher at Inter-Lakes Elementary School and his father, Tim, is the Library Media Specialist at Inter-Lakes Middle High School. The Hayman family is truly appreciative of the Inter‑Lakes community and the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation for surrounding them with such genuine care. To participate in the 2026 Rafting For Wishes on July 17-18, or for inquiries, email info@nh.wish.org. From left to right: Lynn Leighton, Cooper Hayman and Courtney Leighton. (Courtesy photo)
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