Samara's Sweet Shopping Spree

For many teenagers, the stress of homework and exams can begin to manifest itself physically. When Samara began complaining of headaches in September 2018, she and her family assumed they were from the pressures of school. But as her headaches and fatigue grew worse, Samara’s mom, Sharon, knew it was something more serious.

That same month, Samara was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease. Her diagnosis was stressful, but Samara was determined to fight, consoling her mother: “Mom, I am going to be ok.”

Samara started Peritoneal Dialysis in November 2018. Despite her internal struggles, she still wanted to play softball, and her family continued to encourage and uplift her. Her relentlessly positive attitude pushed her to continue doing all of the things she could while battling a critical illness.

“She is a full-blown teen now. Diva to the core,” said mom Sharon.

And what would be the perfect wish for a diva like Samara? A glamorous shopping spree of course! With each click of the “Add to Shopping Cart” button, Samara’s smile grew wider and wider. She carefully curated her list in order to style her bedroom in her new home.

“Samara has such a beautiful soul and deserves the world,” said Sharon. “She is so loving to her friends and family. She has overcome so much in two years and been through so much a lot of adults could not even handle.”

When her wish day finally came, Samara didn’t even realize that her wish was coming true. Make-A-Wish had told her she would be speaking at a special check presentation event at Bee Safe Storage. But when the time for her “speech” came, a staff member opened a storage unit garage door to reveal all her wrapped wish list items!

“I’m happy I didn’t end up having to give a speech,” said Samara with relief. “I hadn’t planned anything and was just going to wing it!”

Each gift she opened was met with exclamations of glee. Each item fit perfectly into her style plans to fill her room with her signature white and pink color palette. She loves her transformed room and is so grateful for her wish.

In September, two years after her initial diagnosis, Samara received a new kidney.

“Although her battle is not over, she will continue to fight and stay positive,” said Sharon. “Throughout it all, she is strong for all of us, and we are strong for her.”

Together, we transform lives, one wish at a time.