For as long as she can remember, Vera’s life has been shaped by resilience. Born with a respiratory disorder, her daily routine includes two 40-minute nebulizer therapy sessions, along with a long history of hospital visits and surgeries. The physical toll of her medical condition often overshadows the carefree moments childhood should bring.

“She has become so strong,” said Julie, Vera’s mom. “Everything she has to sit through every day … we’ve come a long way.”

Vera shares this challenging journey with her older sister, Vivian, who has the same respiratory disorder. They face their critical illness together, determined to find light in even the most difficult times.

For Vera, that light shines brightest in the kitchen. Despite the disruption her respiratory disorder causes, baking offers her a mental escape – a space where she can be creative and share joy with others through her delicious creations.

“Baking makes me feel calm and happy because it’s just something very simple to do,” Vera said. “You can just let your mind relax.” Her heartfelt wish was clear: to have her own baking station. 

Right in the heart of her family’s kitchen, Vera saw her wish come to life. Piece by piece, the space transformed into something she never imagined possible: a personalized baking station in her favorite shade of pink. A glowing neon sign read, “Vera’s Kitchen,” and shelves were stocked with tools, a pink mini oven, and everything she needed to mix, knead and decorate. What was once a corner of her family’s kitchen became a space for Vera’s passion to thrive.

Now with her own dedicated space, baking is no longer just a hobby for Vera – it’s her sanctuary. “[Her wish has] really helped her self-esteem because she can choose to invite people in, she can choose to make something to share with someone else, she can put a smile on someone’s face if they’re having a down day,” Julie said. “She just walks around a little taller.”

Today, Vera is using her baking station to chase her goal of owning a bakery one day – something she believes is attainable now, only because of her wish.  “Make-A-Wish makes me envision that when I'm older I'm going to own a bakery,” Vera said. “I've always been dreaming of owning a bakery ... and [my wish] makes me feel like that dream can be fulfilled.”

Thank you for supporting Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas, and unwrapping the power of a wish for children like Vera.