I wish to meet my grandmother in Mexico City for the first time
Lupita
17
cancer
Lupita’s Wish to Meet her Grandmother: A Hug Worth the Journey
Guadalupe, lovingly known as “Lupita” to her family, first heard the word cancer at a young age when her maternal grandmother passed away from the disease.
What she didn’t know then was that she would one day face that same battle — not once, but twice.
At just 15 years old, Lupita was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer.
“That’s when everything collapsed for me,” said her mom, Antonia.
“The doctors told me she wouldn’t be able to handle the chemo. That there was no hope.” But Lupita proved them wrong.
After major surgery to remove a tumor, Lupita left the hospital for a short break to celebrate her Quinceañera surrounded by family. Though still healing, she smiled all night, grateful to be with the people she loved most.
It was a milestone she had prayed she’d reach.
“When I was in the hospital, I prayed to God to help me, to save me, because I still had to celebrate my 15th birthday,” Lupita shared.
With courage and determination, she completed her first round of treatment.
For a short time, things looked hopeful. But at her next check-up, her family received devastating news: the cancer had returned, and Lupita would need to begin a second round of treatment.
After countless chemotherapies and hospital visits, Lupita underwent a bone marrow transplant.
Despite the pain, uncertainty, and fear, she never lost faith. “I told God that I still needed to meet my grandma,” she said.
For Lupita, this meant everything. Lupita had only known her paternal grandmother through video calls. She longed to meet her and her family in Mexico face to face, to know them not just through a screen, but through hugs and shared meals.
That’s when Make-A-Wish Arizona entered Lupita’s life, turning her wish into reality and giving her renewed hope.
I wanted to know if they were real. Going on a trip is wonderful, but getting the chance to meet my family meant everything.
Lupita, 17
With support from Make-A-Wish Mexico, the reunion Lupita had dreamed about began to take shape. Travel plans were made, surprise details were arranged, and for the first time in a long time, Lupita had something joyful to look forward to.
When the day finally arrived, Lupita’s grandmother, uncles, cousins awaited her with a celebration complete with traditional food, a piñata, and joyful smiles.
It was more than Lupita had ever imagined.
Hugs were exchanged, laughter was shared and in every moment, Lupita felt the warmth and love of a family she had longed to know in person.
For Lupita, her wish went beyond just meeting her grandmother and family. It was a turning point in her medical journey, bringing healing, connection, and a moment of peace during long and difficult years.