The prognosis was not good for Timothy Benusic.  “The doctors told us he would live for a year,” said his father Nathan Benusic.  Timothy was born with a genetic disorder called Alagille Syndrome, which is a disorder associated with liver, heart, eye, and skeletal abnormalities.

However with lots of love, care and an unqualified will to live, Timothy is now 12 years old. “It’s a miracle he’s still with us,” said Nathan. His grandmother figured one miracle deserved another, so she applied to the Make a Wish Foundation on Timothy’s behalf, and she knew exactly what to request: a search for diamonds.

“Timmy has been smashing rocks looking for diamonds his entire life,” said Nathan.

On August 31st, Timothy and his family found themselves far from their home in Canada. They arrived at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas ready to begin a search that has been 12 years in the making. Several park “regulars” were on hand to help, share their expertise and diamond finds, and before long his wish came true. Timothy found a 15 pt. brown diamond! “It literally brought tears to our eyes,” said his grandmother.

Later that day, Timothy and his family participated in a special diamond exhibition at the park’s visitor center. Murfreesboro Mayor Rodney Fagan proclaimed August 31, 2016 as Timothy Benusic Day and he was given a collection of souvenirs from Crater of Diamonds State Park.

“No words can tell you our gratitude,” said his father Nathan. “What they did was amazing.” We can’t express our gratitude fully either of this loving community coming together to help Timothy’s dreams come true.