Savannah tries on a traditional Japanese kimono.
It’s not everyday that Santa Claus greets you with a hearty “Happy Merry Christmas.” For 11-year-old Savannah, Santa’s off-beat welcome reminded her that she was in for a holiday celebration she’d never forget.
Savannah, who was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, wished to go to Japan. She had a huge list of things to do once she and her family touched down after a long flight from New York. Her itinerary covered a trip to the famous Harajuku shopping district, sightseeing at Mt. Fuji and other landmarks, enjoying Japan’s favorite theme parks and checking out museum artifacts. She also obliged her twin brothers with a trip to see a traditional garden.
“I was hoping my whole family would be there and that we’d have the greatest time,” Savannah said.
Savannah was impressed by the traditional politeness that infuses Japanese culture – and the cleanliness of Tokyo’s streets. Even in an area like Harajuku, which is crowded from wall-to-wall, everything seemed in its proper place. She was amazed that some Japanese people choose to wear masks when they’re ill to prevent others from getting sick.
“Strange but cool” was the mantra for Savannah’s first time away from North America – especially during meals. She was a bit cautious, mostly choosing white rice. Her brothers definitely had the adventurous spirit, often deciding to order squid on a stick.
Savannah and her brothers explore Tokyo’s “Electric Town” district.
Japan also lived up to its high-tech reputation. Akihabara, or Electric Town, gave Savannah glimpses of electronic gadgets not yet available in the United States.
“Electric Town makes New York City look like a little shack!” she said, describing the bright lights that make the area seem like high noon around the clock.
Tokyo Disneyland® combined the familiar and foreign. Sure, she could ride her familiar favorites or check out a Christmas parade on Main Street. But Savannah and her mom, Sam, also noticed vendors serving curry popcorn and honey cakes – not your typical Disney delicacies found in California or Florida.
But Japan itself isn’t even what made her wish such a magical experience: Savannah bows to Make-A-Wish® volunteers Katsu and Lori. Katsu was a perfect tour guide for Japan, and Lori from the Metro New York chapter has become like a member of her family.
Sam was thrilled by how people on both sides of the world went to so much effort for Savannah. Whether it was a limo to the airport or an obscure tidbit about a Japanese garden, Katsu and Lori had it covered.
“The stars really aligned for this kid,” Sam said.
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I cannot think of a child more deserving. Savannah is well spoken, intelligent, talented, with a wonderful supportive family. It is unfair that her autoimmune disease prevents her from experiencing many of the joys of childhood. The happiness in her photos and excitement for all that Savannah learned is priceless. As a family friend, I would like to thank the many that support through donation of time and money, and especially Katsu and Lori, who we have heard so much about. Both Savannah's strength and Make-A-Wish are truly inspirational!
- Regina 07/20/2007 23:16 -
Yeah Savannah!
- Heidi 07/21/2007 8:45 -
That is a unique and wonderful wish! It looks wonderful!
- Meg 09/09/2007 18:42 -
I enjoyed reading about your wish, Savannah. I bet the memories of Japan bring a smile to your face.
Be well.
- Caleb 10/05/2007 5:59 -
WOW! You got to go to japan!!!!!!!!!!! That sounds like fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bet you got to eat some good food!!Yummie! Have fun with the memories!
- Ashley 10/07/2007 13:18 -
Savannah, It sounds like you had so much fun!! What was your favorite thing you did there?
- Kaity 03/06/2008 17:01 -
Wow! Your wish sounds amazing! My son is thinking of having his wish to go to Tokyo Disney, did you go there? How did you like it? He also wants to see Mt. Fugi, how was that tour?
- Joyce (Wish mom) 01/15/2008 19:40 -
What a beautiful trip and memories for a beautiful Savannah. I pray that the experience will make your spirits soar and give you and your family the power and strength to fight your courageous battle, God Bless You, Savannah, from a friend in Michigan. :)
- Christine 04/05/2008 1:43 -
Savannah! your trip to Japan sounds so exciting! The Harajuku shopping must have been so fun!
- Florence 11/25/2007 21:23 -
Almost a year has passed since Savannah's wish trip, yet not a week goes by where it doesn't come up in conversation at least a few times.
The trip was life altering, not just for Savannah, but for all of us. The amount of kind, caring, and generous people across the world is overwhelming and gives me hope. When my daughter is feeling sick, we look at photos from Japan and it brightens her day.
I can never thanks Make-A-Wish enough for making such an impact in my daughter's life.
A photo montage of our trip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1lJ7L7gICY
- Sam (Wish mom) 11/03/2007 6:51 -
I'm so glad that Savannah got to have this wish come true. Japan is such a wonderful country and to be able to experience it at a young age is amazing for any child, especially this one!
- Taylor 09/21/2007 12:39 -
You're a great kid. I'm glad I got to meet you. You totally deserved this.
- Misti 09/21/2007 11:06 -
Savannah has had to endure so much in her short life, but she and her family handle it with grace and courage. I'm so happy that her family got to have an amazing trip to Japan. Thank you to the wonderful people at Make-A-Wish for helping her realize her dreams.
- Kristen 09/21/2007 10:16 -
You go, Savannah!
- Sheila 09/21/2007 10:55 -
Yay Savannah! Looks like your wish was a whole lot of fun, and I can't think of a girl who deserved it more! :D
- Anji 09/21/2007 13:43 -
Hey it's Savannah. To answer some of your questions, Kaity my favorite thing I did there was go to Harajuku, omg it was so crazy and sweet. Joyce, yes I did go to Disney, it was amazing. We didn't go on a tour on Fuji , but went to Fuji Q Highlands, which is a theme park, which is home to some of the craziest; rides in the continent. So if you have any questions just e-mail me.
- Savannah (wish kid) 05/12/2008 15:42 -
What an awesome trip!
- Elisha 06/07/2008 12:53 -
I love answering your questions, but most of all, I love reading your responses. It's very thoughtful, caring and helps me a lot. Thanks to everyone.
I hope that if you know somebody, like a family member or a friend, that has a problem like me, that you'll sign them up for a wish.
Also, if you can do me a favor, be nice and respect your family, friends, and even yourself, because you never know what is going to happen next. You might wake up one day and have a symptom or disease. Also, if you are thinking to yourself, "What does being respectful of yourself mean?" Well, it means don't do drugs, don't smoke, don't swear, don't misbehave, listen to your parents, etc. Here is a poem I made for you guys about being respectful to your family, friends and yourself:
Don't be cruel to your friend, Anny.
Don't be cruel to your brother, Danny.
Behave when around your friend, Stacey.
Behave when your around your sister, Kacey.
Don't do drugs because you think you are cool.
Because your really not, instead, you're a fool.
Listen to your parents, when they say..........
"Don't go out with your friends tonight, stay"
Listen when they say, "Behave with your
friends, and please do good trends........."
I hope you guys follow that poem, and respect your friends, family and yourself, and follow the right path not the misleading.
- Savannah (The Wish Kid)
- Savannah (wish kid) 06/15/2008 11:01 -
Savannah, I can't think of another kid who deserves this other than you. You seem intelligent, respectful, nice, honest, etc. You are my hero, and your younger! Haha. Good luck.
- Dominique 08/07/2008 23:34
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- Cruise
- Fishing
- Outdoor Recreation
- Western Lifestyle
- Domestic Travel
- International Travel
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© 2006 Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America