I wish to go to Hawaii
Malayna
11
nervous system disorder
Aloha, Malayna!
Kids with critical illnesses often face unique challenges in their everyday lives. At birth, Malayna had a stroke which impacted her nervous system for life, and she has faced complications like seizures as a result.
Despite her condition, Malayna is a fighter. According to Wish Mom Catrina, “she is very strong and very resilient.” Although she has overcome a great deal of obstacles, Malayna has similar aspirations to other kids her age. From the age of four, she has been excited to learn how to drive, and this has been her focus since returning from her wish.
Malayna sitting and smiling by a pond.
A Chance to Focus on the Moment
According to Wish Mom Catrina, Malayna chose to go to Hawaii for her wish because “she wanted to drink out of a coconut.” Funnily enough, when given the opportunity to taste a fresh coconut at a luau, she did not like it!
Malayna’s wish was a unique opportunity to spend time with family and experience a whole new atmosphere. She holds the memories from her wish close to her heart: she bought a flower hair pin in Hawaii, and she wears it whenever she goes out.
Going to Hawaii gave Malayna and her family a chance to breathe and focus on the moment. Rather than worrying about thinking ahead and planning - which is often necessary when a child has a critical illness - they were able to let go of structure, relax, and create lifelong memories. Wish Mom Catrina was warmed by the granting of Malayna’s wish: “I know she’s special, but to see someone else think she’s special enough to have her wish granted was so touching to me.”
As of May, Malayna has been seizure-free for one year.
Together, we transform lives, one wish at a time.