Curious and silly, Valentina has always loved unicorns and their magical, colorful appearance. When she was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2022, it shook her entire closeknit family. She had to be out of school for long stretches and couldn’t do all the things she enjoyed because of the medications effects on her immune system.

It was a hard time for Valentina and for her family as they watched her usual sparkle dim. Valentina’s medical team referred her to Make-A-Wish and it was a bright spot for everyone. When Make-A-Wish Illinois offered Valentina the chance to choose her one true wish, Valentina knew she would like to see, pet and feed a unicorn!

Make-A-Wish volunteers and corporate sponsor BuzzRx teamed up to create a day filled with wonder and smiles for Valentina. With decorations in her favorite colors, unicorn themed treats and heartfelt signs to show their support, Valentina was delighted with every new discovery.

Meeting the unicorn named Gracie was just as magical as she had dreamed of, with the sweet creature letting Valentina pet and kiss her. Valentina giggled as Gracie took treats from her hand and gave Gracie loving pets while admiring the unicorn’s colorful braids.

“I’ve never been on a unicorn,” Valentina exclaimed as she held the reigns and got ready to take her first unicorn ride.

Every step of the way her mom, sister and brother beamed watching Valentina face light up over and over. “We’re so full of joy to be at this stage and to watch her have her wish,” Valentina’s sister Margareth shared mentioning that Valentina’s long recovery, including a few setbacks, have been hard on the whole family. “She usually needs a wheelchair when she gets tired, but she is full of energy today!”

After she met the unicorn and all the horses at the barn, Valentina’s wish ended with a pizza party including her family, Make-A-Wish volunteers and her new friends from BuzzRx and Perfecta Farms. Now in remission, Valentina continues working on building her strength and hopes to be a veterinarian someday.

“I’m pretty happy,” Valentina told a local news outlet.