Yari's Birthday Party

Due to her condition, Yari has been stuck within hospital walls for months at a time— including every birthday.  

When wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alabama first met Yari, they asked one question: "What is your wish?" She immediately answered this important question, which takes many children weeks and sometimes months to decide, by exclaiming one word: "Party!" As wish granter volunteers talked with Yari and her parents about exactly what kind of party would be best for Yari to kick off her 3rd year, a carnival theme, with lots of dancing, began to form. 

On the night of Yari’s party, she and her family arrived VIP-style in a limo. Yari’s friends and family cheered for her as she stepped out of the limo and onto the red carpet. Then she entered a giant tent packed with balloons and smiling people with the smell of popcorn and candy filling the air. First stop—the dance floor to dance with all of her friends!

Since Yari loves dancing and watching dance groups, a local dance troupe performed a special dance to celebrate her special day! Everyone gathered around to watch, and as Yari watched with excitement in her eyes, she could not sit still any longer. She jumped on the floor and mimicked their moves, still so excited that her wish was coming true.

The dancers and guests finished the performance by singing "Happy Birthday" to the guest of honor. Yari headed over to her birthday cake, which was stacked with carnival animals and candles galore. With a smile on her face, she blew out the candles to celebrate her third birthday and her wish come true.