Pictured: Riley with his dad Joey, sister Natalie, and mom Tara, standing by his Make-A-Wish Trailer.

By: Sheila Crowley, Murray County News Staffwriter

Nine year Riley Einck, son of Joey and Tara, is like most kids who look at items to put on their wish list. Unlike most kids, however, Riley was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth.

Approximately three years ago a family member mentioned to the Einck family of Slayton about the MN Make-A-Wish Foundation stating they thought Riley would qualify as a recipient.

Tara said the family didn’t really give it much thought. Riley’s doctor even encouraged the family knowing how much he enjoyed the Minnesota Vikings.

Approximately two years ago Make-A-Wish Minnesota reached out to the Einck family stating Riley’s name had been referred to them. Make-A-Wish Minnesota creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Since 1982, Make-A-Wish Minnesota has granted more than 6,000 wishes to create hope, strength and joy for wish kids, their families and entire communities.

Criteria include being diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition that meets the organization’s guidelines, not necessarily a terminal condition. One of the conditions listed is cystic fibrosis.

The application process was started two years ago and then Covid hit. Initially Riley’s interest was with the Minnesota Vikings when the initial contact was made and now, his interests had changed. So during the phone interview with the organization Riley asked if he could change his wish to a trailer for his pigs. “It was so cute,” stated Tara. Typically the organization is asked for a trip of some sort so this was a very different request.

Over the last couple of  years the family had gotten involved in showing pigs and have attended several events where the Einck children Natalie and Riley showed their pigs.

The Make-A-Wish organization was actually thrilled with Riley’s trailer wish because as a result of the pandemic, they can’t be in person to present the wishes for their recipients.  Traditionally a party is held with the organization presenting the recipient with their ‘Your Wish is Granted’. For the past year Riley has anxiously been awaiting his ‘wish’.

Joey and Tara invited family and friends to be a part of this special event. Even though Riley’s showing season had concluded he’s especially looking forward to next season now sporting his new hog trailer.

Riley and sister, Natalie, are part of the Minnesota Youth Swine Series (MYSS). The mission of the organization is to provide Minnesota Junior Swine Exhibitors the opportunity to further their development of citizenship, leadership and sportsmanship while educating and enhancing the knowledge of youth about purebred, show pig and commercial segments of the swine industry. It also is to reward Minnesota youth for their participation and hard work in the statewide exhibition of swine projects, while helping promote a fun and honest atmosphere.

The MYSS provides an opportunity to accumulate points at a series of sanctioned shows. At the end of the season, the exhibitors will be rewarded for their high point totals. The categories that are recognized are breed divisions for barrows and gilts, top showmanship exhibitors for each age group and overall high points exhibitors. The high points exhibitors will be a combination of their two highest point pigs as well as showmanship points.

The Einck family traveled around to various shows which including Austin, Jackson, Slayton, Windom and New Ulm as some of the local spots.

Tara explained the children’s experience showing with 4-H as well as their cousins (Prins family) helped spike their interest in show pigs. Tara also said that as a result of the new trailer the kids will have the opportunity to show more pigs due to the extra pens now available.

By looking at Riley you would never guess he had anything wrong. Much of this is due to the constant regimen he does daily. This includes various medication, chest therapy and other breathing treatments to help his respiratory system. Additionally Riley has checkups every three months to make sure the disease is staying ‘in check’.

Cystic fibrosis is a defective gene and it’s a protein product that causes the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, leading to life-threatening lung infections. It also obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down food and absorb vital nutrients. Fortunately Riley only has the respiratory type of the disease.

When the family learned of his diagnosis it didn’t take them long to become advocates. Since Riley’s birth, the Einck family has participated in the Great Strides Walk for cystic fibrosis in Sioux Falls, SD. They raised money and created ‘Riley’s Racers’ team whom participate in the walk.

In September of 2018 Riley was invited to Minneapolis to attend the Minnesota Gopher game where he was presented an AffloVest from the Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation. The light weight, quiet, next-generation mobile airway clearance system offers Riley the flexibility to do critical daily treatment without being connected to tubes or cords.

Sports is another of Riley’s interests – particularly football and baseball. In February of 2020 Riley was signed to the Southwest Minnesota State University’s football team. SMSU partners with Team IMPACT, a non-profit that brings together children who are battling serious and chronic illnesses and local collegiate athletic teams.

Tara stated Riley is very competitive. This past show season the young man brought home several ribbons from the pig shows.

Showing pigs has become a family affair. Sister Natalie helps her brother alot according to Tara. Every morning and evening the family heads to the farm (Joey’s parents) to take care of their pigs which includes feeding and walking them. Once a week the pigs are washed as part of the regimen. Additionally the stalls where the pigs are kept need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Tara says it gets real interesting when other spring sports such as softball and baseball are thrown into the mix of activities to try and work in the pigs.

Tara and Joey have found out that by spending more time with their kids and project, it actually ends up being a great way for the family to bond. “Livestock projects teach responsibility and work ethic. We wanted to be involved in our kids’ lives growing up along with their interests,” shared Tara.

The Einck’s say Riley’s wish will bring optimism and it will help impact his life more than anyone realizes. “We are so thankful for this opportunity and our family is super excited to continue to show pigs for years to come,” shared Tara.

She added, “Cystic Fibrosis is teaching our family that at any given moment, even when you least expect it, someone or something can change your life.”

The Einck’s stated they are forever thankful to Exiss Trailers and Make-A-Wish Minnesota for giving their family the opportunity to be able to spend more time together….”Because that’s what it’s really all about.”