Julia Rubin is a single mother of four children from Griswold, Connecticut, and her 4 year-old son Brody has spent almost half of his life going in and out of the hospital. Brody was born prematurely at 26 weeks, weighing just over 2 pounds. Brody’s health became worse as he grew older as he suffered from many ailments.

Brody went to the doctor countless times, but Julia was not able to get answers as to what was wrong with her son. Finally, the little boy was diagnosed with Chiari malformation III, which causes defects in the part of the brain that controls balance. Brody has to live with severe chronic pain, and he struggles to walk. He only began talking last year, after he underwent surgery to remove some of the pressure in his brain.

Since Brody is extremely sensitivity to sun exposure, he doesn’t ever get to play outside like other kids his age. This is particularly difficult for Brody because he absolutely loves the beach and the ocean. Despite the fact that he is in constant pain, being confined indoors is arguably the most difficult part of Brody’s illness.

Brody gets burned so easily that the quick drive from the house to the hospital often causes sun blisters on his face. On top of that, he must be fed through the electric backpack attached to him at all times. Though this piece of equipment is lifesaving, it also prevents him from partaking in fun activities like swimming.

Back in 2017, Julia was contacted by the Make A Wish Foundation, which asked her what Brody would want if he could get one wish. Two years later, Brody’s wish came true on a bright sunny day. Watch him get the chance to play outside for the first time in the video below.