Wags, The Wiggles’ famous dog, arrived at Carly’s doorstep and invited her to meet The Wiggles at their concert.
During her many visits to doctors’ offices, 3-year-old Carly sometimes could be heard belting out her favorite songs by the hugely popular children’s entertainers The Wiggles. But few people who heard her happy voice would have guessed that she was in the middle of difficult treatments for neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder causing tumors in her nervous system.
The Wiggles and their songs helped keep Carly smiling as she endured those treatments. They also proved the inspiration for her heartfelt wish.
Of course, it was not an unexpected wish. Every day, Carly asks to wear a Wiggles shirt and a Wiggles bandana. She never goes anywhere without Anthony, her talking Wiggles doll. Her mom, Kelley, says Carly even calls Anthony her “boyfriend.”
When wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Philadelphia and Susquehanna Valley visited Carly, she told them she wanted to hug The Wiggles and tell Anthony, “I want a pawpaw!” The Australian-born Wiggles often sing about pawpaw, known as papaya in the United States.
Carly’s first surprise came a week before her wish was to be granted when Wags, The Wiggles’ 7-foot dog, showed up at her home to deliver gifts and invite Carly to The Wiggles’ concert.
On wish day, Carly’s adventure began with a “Wiggly Party.” Fifty well-wishers helped her celebrate with Wiggles-colored cookies and M&Ms, plus The Wiggles’ signature food, fruit salad. Then, a limo (or, as Carly said, “a big car”) chauffered her to the concert.
Carly, pictured here with her siblings and Wiggles dancer Ben, knew all the words to the songs and danced in the aisles at the concert.
The Wiggles treated Carly to a meet-and-greet backstage before the show. “The expression on Carly’s face was priceless! For the first minute or so, she stood as still as a statue, just watching them, in total amazement,” Kelley said.
Carly and her family were soon fully engaged in Wiggly conversation, and she did tell Anthony, “I want a pawpaw.” He promised her that, if she ever visits Australia, he’ll have a pawpaw waiting.
During the show, Carly danced in the aisles and sang along to her favorite songs. Much to her surprise, the Wiggles introduced her and invited her onstage.
“I wondered whether or not she would understand and realize what a big deal this is, but, oh yeah, she got it and smiled from ear to ear,” her mother said.
Kelley added that the wish also meant a great deal to everyone involved, not just to Carly.
“Seeing Carly that happy was such a joy!” she wrote in a thank-you letter. “The best part of the day was when Carly turned to me in the limo and said, ‘Mommy, I so happy.’ I’ve never heard her say anything like that before.”
By Kathryn Roethel
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I think Make-A-Wish is the best foundation ever. My friend had cancer and went to Hawaii!
I thought this was the cutest story EVER! Carly is such a cutie and her love for Anthony is so adorable. "pawpaw's" are awesome!
- Eliza 02/21/2008 17:19 -
Carly, girl, I am so proud of you! It is a terrific honor to meet the Wiggles. At age eleven, I sing "Fruit Salad" at lunchtime to put a smile on everyone's faces. Your story has put a smile on mine!
- Anna 02/11/2008 14:07 -
I think the wiggles is such a cute show. My niece is 4 years old and she likes the same show. I hope that you enjoyed meeting them. Good luck honey, I'm praying for you.
- Crystal 01/25/2008 20:55 -
I think this story is so sweet and I think the Make-A-Wish Foundation is a great thing.
- Angel Meeker 01/18/2008 9:39 -
Carly, you are such a sweet little angel and I am so happy that you got to meet the Wiggles! Keep smiling sweetheart and keep dancing too!!
- Antoinette 03/09/2008 20:57 -
This story was so touching, it made me cry for Carly. But happy cries, because she was so happy!
- Barbara Jean 03/21/2008 3:43 -
3 years old..so sad. Make-A-Wish Foundation is one of the best foundations I've ever known. Giving children like this one, one more exciting thing in their lives. All of these stories are heartbreaking, but at the same time very heartwarming. Children are getting a chance to do ONE last thing, maybe not even their last. You guys are great! My heart goes out to all these children, and everybody at Make-A-Wish! I LOVE YOU ALL!
- Kristen 07/29/2008 19:10 -
Dear Carly,
My brother is also three and loves The Wiggles! I loved them until I was 5. I would LOVE to meet you sometime.
Love,
Jacqueline
- Jackie 07/25/2008 16:17 -
You put a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. Make-A-Wish is great and any one involved needs to know what a truly amazing thing they are doing. I am grateful to you all.
- Amanda 08/05/2008 6:47
