Make-A-Wish^® Illinois

Violet was a little girl with a big personality. She liked dance parties and playing dress up, and she loved being a big sister to Rose.

"By the time she started preschool, her personality was practically bursting out of her little self," her father Steve shared. 

She was whip-smart, talking early and taking stock of everything in her little world. She grew to be sassy and sweet, sometimes surprising her family with just how much she understood, even as a toddler.

For her third birthday, she had a joint birthday party with her little sister. It was a tea party theme that left everyone laughing, full of joy and with a little frosting on their faces. However, things quickly turned concerning when Violet began having trouble with her vision, and then just a short while later, had trouble walking.

It was a terrifying time for Violet's parents as they learned her difficulties were caused by a brain tumor. As a whirlwind of therapy began, Violet's family was introduced to Make-A-Wish. 

By chance, one of Violet's volunteers happened to be a family friend. Bringing custom t-shirts and character-themed luggage, these volunteers helped the family find the magic moments in Violet's wish journey, moments that helped them enjoy their daughter's delight outside of the illness.

"Violet was captivated and filled with joy," her father said about their time at Disney World. With meals in two different castles and lots of character meetings, her family was so touched by seeing Violet enjoy everything, especially the Pirates of the Carribean ride.

"Every moment sparkled with magic for Violet," Steve said. "While this was the hardest time of my life as a father, knowing Violet’s prognosis, her wish allowed me and Madeline (Violet's mother) to recharge too. It gave us the strength to treasure these priceless moments with our little girl, soaking in the wonder through her eyes."

"Those days at Disney were truly the happiest time of Violet’s very young life."