Daliyah's Wish to have a School-Themed Playhouse

Her mother had just given her a bath, and Daliyah’s body went completely limp and was extremely discolored. She also experienced uncontrollable shaking, and her parents brought her to the Emergency Room. There, Daliyah was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, a condition that affects infants who are otherwise healthy and is a lifelong form of epilepsy.  

Daliyah is now seven years old. Along with the seizures that happen very often, she experiences  many struggles that come along with Dravet syndrome. Daliyah has a limited vocabulary,  developmental delays, a hypersensitive immune system and multiple stomach problems. 

Daliyah’s family has worked extremely hard to focus on keeping her healthy and safe. Daliyah’s mother, April, is largely focused on her home life with her daughter, since that is where they must spend most of their time. According to April, Daliyah has a one-track mind and is very determined. She loves to learn by practicing the alphabet, rhyming and identifying colors and shapes. Daliyah’s parents often encourage her to practice her ABC’s when coming out of a seizure to help calm her down. 

When the family was contacted by Make-A-Wish, Daliyah was still very young. April waited until Daliyah had developed some interests and passions of her own before deciding on her wish. They ultimately decided on a school house-themed playhouse that could be placed right in their backyard. Since Daliyah is not able to attend school like other children, this space is extremely special to her. April says that the school house has provided a safe space for Daliyah to play and learn. On the playhouse, there is a bell that you can ring. This is extremely meaningful to the family because, in their town, the real school has a bell that Daliyah always points out when driving by. Her family has made her playhouse bell into a victory bell that she rings when she has “a good day,” according to her mother. A good day for Daliyah consists of no seizures, eating without any issues, and doing her daily routine. So far, Daliyah has never had a seizure in her school house!  

Make-A-Wish worked with teachers and occupational therapists to curate a perfect environment for Daliyah. She has appropriate learning tools and an area where she feels very comfortable. Daliyah’s family is extremely grateful to Make-A-Wish. Not only has the school house provided Daliyah with her own space, it had inspired the family to tidy up their property and make their yard a great place for their daughter. April said that this experience has been “life-changing” for their family. Daliyah has a space where she feels comfortable and able to express herself, all while being very close to home. A special thank you goes out to Brewer Kiwanis, the Adopt-A-Wish partner. Without this gracious support, life changing wishes like this one would not be possible.