When Reese was just 16 months old, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer and was given a 32% chance of survival. At this age, Reese's only indication that something was off was the fact that she hadn't learned to walk yet. On the outside she was a happy, smart and beautiful baby girl. At her 15 month well visit, the doctors weren't concerned yet but sent us to physical therapy to encourage her to start walking. After a couple of weeks of no progress our pediatrician wanted to take a second look and this appointment was where things started to take a turn. The doctors found a very large mass on the left side of her brain. She was immediately admitted and prepped for brain surgery the following morning. After a 6-hour surgery, we got the unfortunate update that the surgeon was unable to remove the entire tumor. The cancer was very aggressive, and the mass was already growing back. After meeting with a second neurosurgeon, we were able to remove the mass entirely, giving her a real chance at a future. 

During Reese's treatment she found comfort from watching the Disney Movie, Moana. She loved to swim and would imagine herself on the beach whilst watching the movie. When it came time to decide what her one true wish would be, it was an easy decision. Reese wished to go to Aulani Resort in Hawaii to see her favorite character, Moana. At the resort, Reese was completely in her element; she got to play on the beach and swim in the ocean just like Moana does! When Reese finally got to meet Moana, her face beamed with excitement. It was an incredible feeling to watch her joy after all she has endured over the past 7 years. That moment was such a magical core memory that we will remember forever. 

The trip to Aulani was truly an opportunity for our family to celebrate all she has overcome. To make irreplaceable memories and focus on a sense of restoration and renewal. Children like Reese have been robbed of so much due to their diagnoses. Allowing them to make a wish, lets them forget about their circumstances for a brief period and to dream big! When they are fighting for their lives, they are so deserving of an opportunity to "celebrate" everything they have endured. Thank you, Make-A-Wish for giving Reese the opportunity to 'just be a kid' after her long medical journey.