Luz Elena's Dream House

Anytime Luz is in the hospital due to her nervous system disorder, her Barbie Dolls are there too. Her wish to have her own Barbie Dream House as a retreat from the anxiety and exhaustion her condition causes was recently granted with much support from her central Illinois community.

In addition to Barbie, Luz really loves to be with her family and her best buddy Canelo, her sweet companion dog.

Working with her wish granters, Luz and her family determined that a play space at home where she could both enjoy time with family and have a private space to unwind would be the best wish for her.

Interior design students from Illinois State University stepped in to help Luz’s vision come to life. Building off her Luz’s love for the iconic fashion doll, the plan included many things that spark Luz’s smile with plenty of pink, space for her to relax and room for all of her dolls. Special touches like twinkly lights were a big hit for Luz, whose vision is impaired by her condition. The result is a bright and happy space where she and Canelo can hang out, right in the family’s backyard.

“This is so beautiful,” Luz exclaimed when first seeing her playhouse. “I’m super excited.”

Several volunteers and community groups came together to create Luz’s wish. Mid-Illinois Companies and the Mid-American Carpenters Regional Council apprentice program helped to build and finish the playhouse. Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Peoria and other Make-A-Wish volunteers Bobby Taylor, Maria Ramos and Janet Glavin helped to finish the interior of the playhouse by assembling and installing the furniture and décor. Local businesses Kelly Seed, Palarte Mexican Ice Cream, Hy-Vee, A-Tay Photography and Party City also provided generous support.