In January of 2020,
Rosie fell ill during a field trip and was rushed to the hospital. It was cancer. Rosie was treated at the St. Luke's Children's Cancer Institute. Hospital staff said Rosie had trouble adjusting to her illness. Naturally bubbly and energetic, she hated feeling so tired and weak. However, toys donated to St. Luke's helped buoy her spirits while she underwent treatment. By August 2020, Rosie was cancer free.
"She is a rock star," Rosie's mom, Janelle, said. "I never realized how tough of a kid she is, and my heart broke every day, seeing her go through all that and doing it with such grace and composure."
Rosie made a lot of friends while in the hospital, and when she was given a wish, she knew she wanted to help others who were going through what she had just been through. St. Luke's has a website with a list of donation requests, so Rosie used her heartfelt wish to buy as many toys off of the list as she could!
On April 29, World Wish Day 2021, Rosie towed a wagon-load of dolls towards the hospital. The St. Luke's staff and her family gathered in an outdoor plaza. Rosie's favorite doctors and nurses accepted the donations during a small outdoor ceremony.
We asked Rosie what advice she'd give to other kids going through an illness and she said, "Be brave, and let the doctors do their jobs."
Help us grant wishes like Rosie's.
