Editor’s Note: Inspired by the artwork she saw in Paris, Shelby returned from her wish trip and honed her painting skills. She now sells her artwork and donates the proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Her story aired on the CBS Evening News in 2007.

Q: Why did you choose this wish?

A: I wanted to submerge myself in a city and culture that had existed for centuries.

Q: What was one of your favorite memories from the wish?

A: One day my family and I visited a small out of the way chapel – Sainte Chapelle. The bottom floor was old and faded. Then we walked up a staircase tucked away in a corner and entered an immense space of floor to ceiling stained glass windows. The morning sunlight was filtering in and I felt a sense of faith, peace and perspective.

Q: What’s your medical diagnosis now?

A: I am getting off medications that I’ve been on for 16 years.

Q: What are some of the highlights of your life now?

A: I am a junior in college with an English major and history and finance minors. I have a 4.0 GPA. In 2007, I was honored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation for raising $35,000 to grant other kids’ wishes. This summer I will be an intern with the Make-A-Wish chapter that granted my wish.

Q: What did your wish mean to you?

A: My wish gave me hope in the future. It gave me something to look forward to, and a chance to focus on something other than my illness.

Q: What do you want to tell people about the Make-A-Wish Foundation?

A: It is an awesome organization that gives something invaluable to children – hope.