I wish to stay in a cabin in Tennessee
Lillian
4
Genetic Disorder
Lillian's Mountain Wish
Lillian Hein’s family calls her Lily, but her two big brothers have another name for her: Silly Lily.
Like most 4 year olds, Lily is happy, easygoing, and full of quiet personality. Her mom, Britta, says Lily rarely gets upset, though she does have “a little bit of sass” at times. Most of the time, she is simply content to be near the people she loves.
No one makes Lily light up quite like her brothers. Their voices, laughter, and attention all bring out her biggest smiles. And love goes both ways. On any given day, it is easy to see how much the boys adore their little sister.
Lily is also what Britta lovingly calls the family’s “thrill seeker.” Because she is not able to walk, her family finds other ways to help her move through the world. They dance with her. They dip her upside down. They push her stroller into the middle of the action whenever they can.
For Lily, joy has always been simple and powerful: movement, laughter and being surrounded by her favorite people.
Seeing Lily Blossom
Lily has Edwards syndrome, also known as Trisomy 18, a genetic condition that causes a host of life-threatening developmental issues. Most babies with Trisomy 18 do not survive birth and even fewer survive their first year.
From the beginning, Britta and her husband heard a lot about what Lily might not do. But Lily has spent her life defying expectations. At 4 years old, she is growing, smiling, loving her brothers and continuing to show her family who she is.
That has made Britta a fierce advocate for her daughter. Because Lily is medically complex and nonverbal, daily life often means paying close attention, asking questions and making sure her care team sees the whole child in front of them.
That deep understanding of Lily became especially important when it was time to choose her wish. Lily could not point to a destination or name a favorite character. So her family thought about what made her happiest.
Again and again, the answer came back to the same thing: her family.
“Anything we’re gonna do together will make her happy,” Britta said.
A trip felt like the right fit, especially one that would give Lily and her brothers a new experience to share. Since the kids were born and raised in Florida, Britta loved the idea of them seeing snow. A cabin in the Tennessee mountains offered exactly what they hoped for: a chance to slow down, stay together and make memories.
Cold Hands, Warm Hearts
The family hoped for snow, but they knew there were no guarantees. Then, before they even reached Tennessee, snow began falling during their overnight stop in Georgia. By the time they reached their cabin in the mountains, the ground was covered in white.
The cabin had a big yard, a gentle slope, and more snow than Britta had dared to expect. Even though it was already around 5 p.m. when they arrived, no one wanted to wait.
“We were like, ‘We’re going,’” Britta said. “‘We’re not wasting any time.’”
Lily’s brothers made snow angels and started building snowmen. Britta and her husband helped Lily join in the fun, sitting with her in the snow, pulling her on a sled, and letting her take in the cold, bright world around her.
Lily was wide awake and happy, surrounded by the people she loved most.
The next day brought more snow, more sledding and more time together. At the cabin, the family moved in and out all day, playing outside, then warming up with hot chocolate and snuggles inside.
Beyond the cabin, the wish trip was filled with more new experiences. The family went to a dinner show, played indoor mini golf, explored local shops, and visited an aquarium, where the bright colors and moving fish gave Lily plenty to see.
But the heart of the trip was simple: Lily and her family, together in the snow.
“It was perfect,” Britta said. “It couldn’t have been more perfect.”
Finding the Good
When Lily’s family arrived at the cabin, they didn’t know how long the snow would last. So they did what they’ve learned to do so well: they made the most of the moment in front of them.
In many ways, that reflected the rhythm of their life with Lily. Some days are joyful and easy. Others bring uncertainty, extra planning, or a sudden change in direction. Through it all, Britta and her family have learned to hold tightly to the good when it comes.
For one week in Tennessee, the good was everywhere. It was in the gentle fall of snow. It was in the rush of sled rides. It was in the simple gift of being together without having to think about what came next.
The wish gave Lily’s family more than a trip. It gave them memories they still talk about, and a place they already hope to visit again someday. For Lily, it was a week surrounded by the people who know her best. For her brothers, it was a chance to share something unforgettable with the little sister they love so much.
And for Britta, it was a reminder that even in a life with hard days, there is still room for joy that feels perfect while it lasts.
“It was such an incredible experience to not worry, not think about anything, just enjoy,” Britta said.
Help Grant More Wishes
Lily’s wish was made possible by a community of people who believe every eligible child deserves a chance to experience joy beyond illness.
For Lily and her family, that joy looked like a snowy cabin in Tennessee, brothers laughing in the yard, sled rides before dark, and quiet moments together with hot chocolate in hand. For another wish kid, it may look completely different. But every wish begins the same way: with people who choose to help make it possible.
You can help bring more life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses across Central and Northern Florida. Donate, volunteer, or attend a local event with Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida® today.