17-year-old Indigo, affectionately known as Indi, faced a difficult battle when she was diagnosed with brain cancer at 14. After a period of headaches that wouldn’t go away, her doctor ordered an MRI where a tumor the size of an orange was discovered. Treatment began immediately with a 10-hour brain surgery and, over the course of the following 18 months, subsequent chemotherapy, radiation, t-cell infusions, countless therapy sessions and eventually a second brain surgery before entering a clinical trial at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.  

During treatment for her brain cancer, Indi experienced the love and care of the nurses, doctors, social workers and volunteers at UNC Children's. Members of Indi’s medical team nominated her for a wish during her treatment to give her something to look forward to. She spent a lot of time thinking of what she wanted but, ultimately, the heart of her wish lay in giving back. Indi wished to give gifts to the children at UNC Children's Hospital.  

Indi’s wish came to life as Indiglow Toy Shop - a pop-up toy store for children at UNC Children's. Together with the Make-A-Wish team, Indi and her family transformed a conference room into a whimsical shopping experience for children to come and experience the joy of being a kid.  

Thanks to our incredible partners at Carolina Exotic Car Club and Ride Of Your Life Foundation, along with efforts from a social media and email campaign with Make-A-Wish supporters, Indiglow Toy Shop was stocked with over 500 donated toys covering a variety of ages and interests!  

Indi’s wish marked the 4,500th wish granted by Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina – a milestone 38 years in the making.