You've heard the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." That's exactly what a local brother and sister are doing after being diagnosed with a life threatening immune deficiency disorder.

A senior at Hubbard High School, 18-year-old Ricky Pasco was among thousands who applied for a Prudential Spirit of Community Scholarship. He didn't win but, has received far more recognition than he could ever imagine.

He shared with 21 News a letter signed by President Barack Obama.

"Thank you for your devotion to service and for doing all you can to shape a better tomorrow for our great nation -- President Barack Obama," Ricky read.

The letter signed by the President is addressed to Ricky. But it's both Ricky and his sister, 14-year-old McKenzie that deserve the recognition.

"I felt honored. But to me, that's not why I do what I do and why my sister does what she does," Ricky said.

Their recognition comes from their devotion to the Make A Wish Foundation. Through their own annual "Ricky Mack Gives Back Fundraiser" the two have raised more than $57,000 and have made the wishes of six valley children come true.

The brother and sister duo are inspired to make the wishes of other children come true because, like those children they also don't know what tomorrow could bring.

Both have been diagnosed with a life threatening immune deficiency disorder, Common Variable Immune Deficiency, and were once the beneficiaries of Make A Wish.

"When we went to Disney World we weren't scared of going into the hospital and we weren't scared of getting a cut and possibly dying. We were living like kids should," said Mackenzie.

And that's exactly what they wish for others.