A 9-year-old heart transplant survivor recently had the chance to create a menu item for a luxury Pittsburgh hotel’s restaurant, all in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Aspiring chef Prince Wise insisted the dish be crab cakes.
Wise’s journey began at age seven when he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a severe condition affecting his heart’s left ventricle. He underwent emergency surgery, relied on a pediatric heart assist machine, and spent months recovering. During this time, he endured three months on the heart transplant waiting list—a challenging period for him and his mother, Chantell Hardin. “Everything happened so quick,” Hardin recalled. “It was the worst nightmare ever.” Eventually, a donor heart was found, and Wise successfully underwent the transplant.
Despite his young age, Wise has a refined palate and a love for cooking. He knows all 50 spices in his mother’s spice rack and enjoys seafood boils and sushi. Hospital food during his recovery proved disappointing, leaving him relying on cheeseburgers and berry shakes due to limited options.
After connecting with Make-A-Wish during his treatment, Wise initially enjoyed a trip to Orlando’s amusement parks. However, last year, Make-A-Wish of Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia gave him another opportunity: designing a dish for the Fairmont Hotel Pittsburgh’s restaurant. The invitation brought tears of joy to Wise and his mother.
At the hotel, Wise collaborated with head chef Fernando Canales to craft “Prince’s Crab Cake Sandwich.” Wise suggested avocado as an ingredient and insisted on thin fries like McDonald’s as a side. The dish was featured on the menu for several months to raise funds for Make-A-Wish.
The experience concluded with Wise receiving a personalized apron and chef’s hat, leaving him with unforgettable memories. Hardin expressed immense pride in her son: “He rocked it. Everything was so natural for him.”