Help an Extraordinary 8-Year-Old Begin His College Journey

As parents, we dream of providing our children with the best possible life, a nurturing environment, good health, happiness, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the world. Yet even with all the planning in the world, nothing can fully prepare us for the unique path our child will take.

When I was pregnant with my son Aiden, I had my own hopes and visions for his future. But life, as it often does, had bigger plans. Early on, doctors warned that Aiden might not survive, but this tiny "caterpillar," as we lovingly called him at 8 weeks gestation, proved everyone wrong. Against the odds, he grew and thrived. Born prematurely, he showed an incredible spirit that continues to inspire everyone around him. Fittingly, we named him Aiden — meaning "little fire" — a symbol of his fierce determination and light.

Aiden has always been extraordinary. He spoke before his first birthday, read full sentences by age one, and began writing algebraic equations by the time he was two — all without formal exposure. He would look at us like we were crazy when we would get excited when he read something and we would tell him he just read, and he would say no I didn’t—we got a chuckle out of that. At four, he read his first book. By six, he had advanced to fourth grade and was officially identified as gifted. Currently, at eight years old, Aiden is finishing up the coursework for ninth grade.

But Aiden is so much more than a brilliant mind. He’s a social butterfly who loves basketball, soccer, swimming, running and spending time with friends. He competed in the state Shakespeare competition this year at DeSales University-- he recited and performed the role of Puck from a Midsummer Night’s Dream. He participated in debate and public speaking camps and even started his own nonprofit, Fresh Start to Success, dedicated to supporting children in foster care.

Aiden dreams of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon — blending his love of science with his deep desire to help others. Upon graduating high school in 3 years, he plans to attend a 4 year university then move onto a dual degree program to pursue his PhD/MD (he wants to come up with a topic that addresses neuroscience and physics)—with a shortage in neurosurgeons and few pursuing a PhD/MD, Aiden will be filling voids in the medical field while helping children live their best life with their medical condition(s) once he finishes all his schooling and training. To prepare for his ambitious future, he wants to begin dual enrollment at Ursinus College in Fall 2025, taking one college course each semester while completing high school. His first course? Introduction to Neuroscience — a perfect first step on his journey toward medical school and a PhD/MD program.

We are blessed to have the support of Dean Kelly Sorensen, Marion McKinney, and others at Ursinus College, who recognize the unique opportunity and impact of Aiden’s journey. Now, we’re reaching out to our broader community to help make this dream a reality.

We are seeking to raise $12,000 for three years — to cover:

Tuition: $500 per semester x 6 = $3,000

Fees: 0 (unless they change things)

Books and Academic Supplies: $1,000 per year = $3,000

A Laptop for Coursework: $ 1,500

Lunch Per Year: $1,500 x 3 = $4,500

Every contribution, no matter the size, will help Aiden take another step forward on his incredible journey. Your support — whether financial, by sharing his story, or simply through words of encouragement — means the world to us.

Aiden has always defied expectations, showing us that when we remove limitations and allow dreams to grow organically, truly amazing things happen. With your help, he can continue to show the world that greatness knows no age.

Thank you for believing in Aiden and being a part of his village.

With Gratitude,

The Wilkins Family