Ana was diagnosed with a digestive disorder before she was even born. “The news was devastating to us,” her dad David says. “All we wanted for our daughter was to give her a better life, but she would begin her life with challenges that were entirely out of our control.” Just one week after she was born, Ana underwent surgery that completely changed how much of her digestive system functioned. For the next thirteen years of her life, Ana would spend most of her time in the hospital. “Going home was considered a vacation,” David continues. “One Ana’s favorite memories was being home for an entire month – the longest consecutive amount of time we were able to be home together.”

Despite the challenges she’s had to face, Ana’s parents describe her as happy, active and positive teenager. “She loves her family very much,” David says. “She is always dreaming, always dancing, always teaching us how to look for the positive. When we look back at everything Ana has gone through, and what we have experienced as a family with her, we are grateful for the doctors who treated her. Where her mother and I come from, Ana would not have survived – the doctors here saved her life.”

Ana was referred for a life-changing wish by her nurse practitioner just before one of her last surgeries. “The wish visit took place while Ana was going through another difficult round of rehabilitation and it made all of the difference for her recovery,” David says. "The thought of having her fondest wish come true gave her the motivation to think positively and recover after yet another procedure." Ana wished for a Quinceañera – an opportunity to celebrate her life and how far she had come with her family by her side. “There was a time that we didn’t know how many years Ana would have, or that she would reach this very special milestone,” David continues. “Ana’s wish to have a Quinceañera was everything we dreamed for her. It was her night to shine. All of the focus was on her and she stood proud in her confidence and beauty. Most of all, to watch her dance and smile, to be free and happy after all she has been through, it was truly a celebration of life that we will never forget. Each meaningful moment will live in our memories and we will cherish them forever.”