For one full year, 3-year-old wish kid Remi and her mom Rachel spent their playdates at the hospital. Five days in a row, for weeks at a time, they’d drive from Kaneohe to Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children for treatment after Remi’s diagnosis with an incredibly rare form of cancer. 

Remi would receive her dose of chemotherapy, and then they’d go to the playroom at the hospital, get a treat from the cafeteria, and wander the halls. Rachel hoped these small moments of joy might help protect her toddler from the stark reality she was bearing for them both.

In truth, sitting in the waiting room surrounded by people who’d never heard of Remi’s condition, Rachel had never felt more alone. Her daughter’s diagnosis was so uncommon that Rachel didn’t know of anyone else on Oahu who shared it, and she didn’t have any example for what their future might hold. At the time, the support of her family—and Remi’s tired cuddles at home after chemo—were carrying her through each day. 

When Rachel first got a call from Make-A-Wish Hawaii volunteer Christie Robello, that all changed. Not only was Christie a wish mom herself, but her son had overcome the very same rare disease when he was Remi’s age. 

According to Christie, this unique connection “must have been meant to be,” as she didn’t know what Remi’s illness was until after she volunteered to grant her wish. “There are so few of us fighting this disease,” she says. “I just wanted to hug Rachel and let her know it would be okay.” 

“It was like I needed her to come into my life,” Rachel reflects. “It gave me such a boost of morale during a dark part of our lives.”

Soon, Rachel and Remi’s trips to the hospital had the added element of hope. Wish granters Christie, Elaine, and Michelle would visit them at the cafeteria with gifts in hand, and, together, they’d sit and dream about Remi’s upcoming wish to meet princesses at Walt Disney World^®.

Remi finished chemotherapy on Rachel’s birthday, bookending a bittersweet year filled with uncertainty and isolation—but  also with joy and meaningful new relationships. 

Just a few months later, the entire ‘ohana celebrated a new chapter in Remi’s journey with a life-changing wish come true, made possible thanks to the generous support of Prince Waikiki. After a year of hospital playdates, watching Remi meet all her favorite princesses and dance along to the parades with her big sister Ayva at the happiest place on Earth was a sign of just how far they had come.

Inspired by their experience, Rachel and her family have already wished it forward in meaningful ways. From sharing their story and raising vital funds to walking side-by-side with fellow wish ‘ohana at Jingle Rock Run, they hope to let other local families know that there is life beyond illness—and that they are not alone.

Mahalo, Prince Waikiki, for your heartfelt support to grant Remi’s wish!