Make-A-Wish^®
Mid-Atlantic

Mina loves animals, flowers, bugs, and above all else unicorns. She knows everything about unicorns - where they live, what they eat, how they play. She is a unicorn expert. This three-year-old cancer-fighter from Ijamsville, Maryland has an eye for the “real deal” and is not fooled by imitations. Unsurprisingly, her one wish was to meet and ride a real unicorn.

The Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic team found themselves facing a daunting task. How do you bring a mythical creature to life? Especially living up to the high standards of a unicornologist like Mina. They began by doing their research, based on Mina’s meticulous instructions. The young expert knew exactly what unicorns look like. According to Mina, they have a rainbow tail and mane with flowers and sparkles. Their horns can be of any color.

Next, the team had to track down one of these colorful creatures. They started with the non-magical cousin to unicorns, horses. The wish team hit the trail calling farms and stables around the DC area to see if they had any unicorn connections. After lots of research, they got a bite. Mary’s Land Farm in Ellicott City, Maryland said they had a recent sighting. The farm wholly embraced Mina’s wish and knew they could make it happen. The team at the farm began preparing to give Mina a once-in-a-lifetime ride.

Mina’s family arrived at wish day decked out in matching “Cancer Warriors” shirts. The family met goats and played with bunnies before taking a tractor to the barn. As they approached the barn, Mina could not stop smiling. There, before her very eyes was the elusive creature she’d spent her whole life admiring. True to her vision, the unicorn had a rainbow mane with flowers and sparkles just as she imagined. Mina spent the afternoon riding the unicorn and styling the mane with barrettes and bows. The unicorn escorted Mina to a surprise party- complete with presents and a unicorn cake. Mina’s imagination came to life on this magical day!