Her new wish to have a digital art studio turned out to be exactly what she needed — an opportunity to illustrate the future she wants for herself. 

“I originally wished to go to Paris because I love the animated show Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, about a teen girl with dreams of becoming a fashion designer,” said Kera, who has a passion for animation and art in general. “We were purchasing suitcases and working on getting our passports… then COVID hit.” 

Since the pandemic made travel unsafe, Kera went back to her drawing board and considered the real reason behind her wish.  

“She moved schools recently and took an animation class that she really enjoyed, so she thought about pursuing animation as a career and a passion.” 

With the help of Make-A-Wish, Kera has transformed the corner of her mom’s workshop into her own digital art studio, including a touch-screen Windows Surface Pro, a tablet for sketching, a desk, a chair, and a printer to make her future projects 3-D. 

“In my class I was drawing on paper, but I wanted to learn how to make videos and animation on digital software. My tablet comes with a pen so I can draw on the screen and connect everything to my larger computer,” she said. “Now I’m working on animating clay dolls and characters and I’m planning to print my projects when I’m done to hang up in my room.” 

While her cystic fibrosis keeps her close to home during these scary times, the wish has given Kera and her family something to look forward to, a sense of fun and a sense of hope for a bigger, better future.  

“We really enjoyed getting things in the mail and putting everything together as a family," she continued. "Seeing Kera more excited and happier is a fantastic gift for our whole family."

"She works so hard to physically take care of herself and this is so good for Kera to have something that’s just for her. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you are changing people’s lives.” 

Now, Kera is a senior in high school and while she’s not sure what she plans to do next, she is looking into colleges with animation classes and programs. 

“I’ve thought about illustrating and writing a children’s book and if I have to go to college online, I have all the equipment right here at home,” said Kera. “I’m so thankful for my wish, it’s a big part of my future with animating and art, and it’s really amazing that it will help me with what I want to do.”