I wish to go on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Stella
12
cancer
The Icing on the Cake of Stella’s Royal Caribbean Cruise
At a time when the world was discovering its post-pandemic “new normal,” Stella’s family learned that their day-to-day would look much different.
In January of 2023, Stella was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. Stella and her family isolated more – not less or even the same, but more than in years prior. Stella, her parents, and two of her five siblings had to relocate closer to Seattle for treatment, dividing their family for nine months while she underwent chemo, radiation and two brain surgeries.
During her family’s stay in Seattle, Stella found an outlet through baking, sharing her goodies with others, including other patients and staff. “When she'd come home and she felt good, she wanted to bake.”
News that Stella qualified for a wish gave her something even sweeter to look forward to. To make up for lost time, she contemplated a wish that would be for her entire family - taking them places they had never been before and giving them experiences to cherish forever.
Stella wished to go on a Royal Caribbean Cruise. “Going on the cruise was a way that we were able to have memories that we wouldn't have had that made-up for those memories that are lost,” shared April.
From a rock-climbing wall to waterslides and mini golf, Stella’s trip was catered to family fun. “It was a wonderful way to connect as a family. We went away from all the other distractions and just spent time together and made memories,” shared her mom, April.
But what was the cherry on top of Stella’s wish?
After learning about Stella's passion for baking, the Royal Caribbean Cruise team arranged an extraordinary culinary experience for her and her sisters. They enjoyed an exclusive kitchen tour, received personalized chef coats, and spiced up the kitchen, baking and decorating their own cakes. Bon Appetit!
“A wish can be very individualized,” said April. “Stella knows that Make-A-Wish knows what her passions are and that they're important, and Royal Caribbean definitely did a great job honoring that too.”
This personalized experience for Stella would not be possible without our incredible partners at Royal Caribbean Cruises.
Special thanks to Royal Caribbean International, Pasco Airport TSA, United Airlines Pasco Airport, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida and Wish-Granting Volunteers Jessica Galloway and Teri Davies.