Wish mom Noelle of Albany writes of her daughter’s recent wish that could have ended in sadness, only to be made even more gratifying … 

Thanks to Make-A-Wish Northeast New York, our family just had the journey of a lifetime. 

Our 7-year-old daughter, Isla, who has refractory epilepsy, swam with the dolphins at a special dolphin sanctuary, Island Dolphin Care, in Key Largo, Florida, that along with physical therapists works with children with different abilities. The joy it brought our daughter was like nothing we’ve ever witnessed. 

But on our trip our greatest fears came true: Isla endured a prolonged seizure and had to be transported from a hospital on Key Largo to a children’s hospital in Miami. We were devastated not only by her seizure, but that her wish was interrupted and potentially ended. 

But in one of our most challenging moments came some of the greatest love we’ve ever received. Make-A-Wish Northeast New York wrapped us in love. They went above and beyond to extend our trip so that Isla could return to the dolphins, rearranging all our travel plans as well as making sure we were still able to visit the turtle hospital. They made sure that Isla’s trip remained magical. 

Make-A-Wish is a reminder of all that is good in this world. Our family will carry this incredible wish in our hearts forever.  

Note: Make-A-Wish Southern Florida assisted on this wish.