Sixteen-year-old Amanda conjured her wish years before she became a Make-A-Wish^® kid. During a family trip to Hearst Castle, which is the majestic estate of the late William Randolph Hearst, Amanda spied a pool. She asked if anyone could swim in the sparkling waters. The answer was a disheartening "no."

Things sure can change.

Unexpectedly, Amanda became a wish kid. When volunteers with the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Greater Los Angeles asked the teen what her greatest wish was, she thought back to Hearst Castle and the prettiest pool she had ever seen. She asked to have a party there to thank everybody who had supported her during her sickness.

Wish granters, working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties, contacted the California State Parks, the organization that maintains Hearst Castle. The park employees immediately started making the necessary arrangements to throw an exquisite party at the castle, which is in San Simeon, Calif., on 127 acres.

Before the day of the wish, Amanda and her family – including dad Phil, mom Patty, and 14-year-old sister Rebecca – relaxed for a short vacation in Cambria, Calif. When the momentous day arrived, a limo came to pick up the family and take them to the castle before the guests started streaming in. As they waited for their friends and relatives, Amanda explored the Casa del Sol Cottage, an 18-room guesthouse facing the Pacific Ocean. The family also received a private tour of the castle.

Soon, the 125 guests began arriving, some from as far away as Chicago. Amanda joined them for a movie at the theater. Then, the guests boarded Hearst Castle buses and visited the Point Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, observed the elephant seal rookery (a breeding and nesting ground), and ended the tour at Neptune Pool. Amanda did not go on the tour, instead making a grand entrance in a white limousine.

Of course, the pool caught everybody's attention, and it wasn't long before the teen and her guests were jumping in for a swim, which was encouraged by Hearst Castle's keepers. Afterwards, the partyers enjoyed a delicious barbeque and ice cream. The pool proved to be a favorite as several guests went swimming again after eating.

Taking in the experience, many people had positive reactions. Amanda, at one point, said, "I am having a blast, such a blast." Little sister Rebecca said she was very happy for her sister. Dad Phil said his daughter was very selfless for sharing her wish with friends and family. Amanda's friends also offered praise, saying they've been inspired by the teen's courage and attitude while coping with her illness.