GULFPORT — As she cruised around Boca Ciega Bay with her family, listening to Bruno Mars and taking in gentle breezes on a warm March day, Stephanie Evers’ smile grew larger and larger.

The Make-A-Wish recipient, who turns 20 in July, put up one thumb, then another when asked about her experience at Mariners Cove. Her wish was to have boat rides like this.

Why?

“To find treasures,” she said.

What’s been the best treasure she’s discovered so far?

“Seashells,” she said.

And what other treasure would she like to find?

“A necklace,” she said.

Her parents, Katerina and Brad, spend time with their extended family in Treasure Island and Colorado.

There will be plenty of future days like this for the Evers family. Freedom Boat Club, the world’s largest boating club, has offered free membership and dues for a year. Headquartered in Venice, the club operates in more than 400 locations, including 33 in the Tampa Bay area and in 22 countries.

While Make-A-Wish is known primarily for helping youths with cancer or other life-threatening diseases, Stephanie’s story is uniquely heartbreaking.

The state of Colorado didn’t know about her until she was 7. She had suffered seizures and child abuse. The ordeal left her frail and in need of medical intervention.

“She was lost in the system,” Brad said.

Katerina added, “The house was boarded up. She had the seizures because she was not attended to. It got to where she couldn’t eat or drink or move or lift her head.”

Because of Stephanie’s condition, finding adoptive parents was difficult, so Brad and Katerina made her part of the family. They’ve also adopted 11 other children: Sesly, Misty, Mary, Divine, Zarriah, Jesse, Arti, Joe, Tony and Zamerah. Natalie, whom they also adopted, died at age 3.

Eight of the children need regular care, according to Lauren Thompson, a private-duty nurse. The couple also have two adult sons, Devon and Justin.

“This doesn’t feel like a job,” Thompson said. “The family is so sweet. The kids are very appreciative, so happy. Without Kat and Brad, I don’t know what would’ve happened.”

Bill Bram, regional sales manager for Freedom Boat Club, said it’s rewarding to help families like the Evers.

“They take in handicapped children, so it’s a great opportunity to give to some people who go above and beyond,” he said.

Les Ares, general manager of Freedom Boat Club, said there wasn’t a dry eye on the dock as Stephanie and her family climbed into the boat and put on their life vests.

“It’s not just about putting people on the water,” Ares said. “It’s about making dreams come true. The family is going to enjoy boat rides and find their treasures.”

For Rolando Reyes, a registered nurse and training captain out of Tampa, the event stirred emotional memories of when Make-A-Wish volunteers helped his son Antonio.

“My son had cancer, and they did a lot for him,” he said. “Computers and teachers because he was in the hospital 24-7. He’s a nurse now, and he wants to get a certification in chemotherapy.”