Moci's Wish to go to the Ballet
In the quiet moments between hospital visits and dance rehearsals, Moci’s medical journey has evolved with resilience and hope. Born with a rare blood disorder that demands blood transfusions every three weeks, Moci faces physical challenges that overshadow her childhood joy.
“I have to make a lot of big decisions as a younger person,” she reflects, “but the hardest thing is remembering to always take my medicine. Sometimes I wish I could just hang out with my friends and not have to deal with this, but I don’t really have a choice.”
Moci shares this challenging journey with her older brother, Kael, and younger sister, Maelin, who have the same blood disorder. Their parents adopted each of them from China at an early age, and have navigated their critical illness with determination.
Kael had his wish granted years ago – an immensely joyful experience for their entire family. “It was amazing,” said their mom, Mandy. “Moci really wanted to do this when she got older. As ballet took center stage in her life, she dreamed of going to the ballet in New York City.”
For Moci, ballet isn't just a hobby – it's a sanctuary. Despite the fatigue and disruption caused by her blood disorder, dancing offers her a mental escape – and a confidence boost, especially when performing in front of 2,000 people. “When I do get to stand out there and bow in front of all those people, they just look so happy, and I feel so happy when I put on a great show. I feel like, if I can do this, I can do anything, right?”
Her father, Chris, noted how ballet fuels Moci’s spirit, providing a counterbalance to the hardships of her medical treatments. “Watching Moci go through her blood transfusions, at times, is heartbreaking,” Chris said. “But it’s a beautiful thing to watch her do ballet, because she has the hemoglobin that gives her energy to dance. It’s just amazing.”
As Moci waits for her wish to come true, she is preparing for the next phase of her treatment – one that could lead to a cure. She is facing a long hospital stay, gene therapy and chemotherapy. “These are really daunting hospital stays that we are looking toward,” Mandy said, “and the hope of Moci’s wish amidst all of these hard times is a complete blessing for our family.”
Moci’s wish is a reminder to keep fighting and will serve as a reward at the end of a grueling chapter that has overpowered much of her life. Now, more than ever, the hope and joy of a wish is the most valuable gift you can give to children like Moci – because it means you’ve given them a better chance of surviving and thriving.
Unwrap the power of a wish this holiday season – at a time when kids like Moci need it most.
Make a one-time or monthly gift and unwrap the power of a wish for wish kids like Moci.
