“Everyone’s got their thing! Maybe it’s a break-up. A death. An accident. Whatever it is, you used to be one thing. Now, you’re something else.”
That is according to Eddie Brock, the main character of DC film “Venom.” Of course, Eddie became host of a parasitic, man-eating symbiote who’s liquid-like form requires a human body for survival. Regardless, Eddie is being relatable, and sometimes things happen in life that really do change us.
For Scott Petinga, that “thing” was being diagnosed with testicular cancer. Fourteen years later, he is cancer free. He still recognizes that fateful day to be the most important day of his life. He remembers it as the day he learned about living because he found out that he was dying.
It was when he left behind the traditional career path he had been following thus far and found work with purpose, meaning and a positive impact on the world. It was also when he decided to create The Fairy Foundation: a non-profit, charity that allocates 100% of donations towards granting the final wishes of adults who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Meet Chrissy and her family (image above):
Chrissy was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2014. By 2017, the disease had progressed to stage 4; spreading to the rest of her body. Her final wish was to pet a white tiger. She had been in love with white tiger’s ever since she was a child touring magic shows with her illusionist friend. She went to see the rare cat in zoos, but she longed for the touch. She just couldn’t find anyone who would allow her to do so.
That was until her sister put her in touch with Scott Petinga and The Fairy Foundation. Scott’s foundation granted Chrissy’s wish and set up a white tiger interaction at the Myrtle Beach Safari. She was finally able to touch the tigers and share the love that she has for the animals with her children. A letter from Chrissy to Scott tells it all:
“Yesterday was the best day of my life. They had baby white tigers, and the larger tigers for the big tour. It was such an AMAZING experience. It was Magical <3”