Molly's Wish, 25+ Years Later

Over 25 years ago, Molly discovered a bump in her hand. At only 16 years old – during a time typically spent focusing on friends, fun and finishing high school – she had a biopsy that led to a life-altering cancer diagnosis.

“It didn’t really hurt. [The bump] was just there,” Molly reflected. “I remember telling people at school, like teachers, that I just had a biopsy. I didn’t know it meant to check for cancer.”

Today, Molly is cancer-free and resides in Chicago with her husband and twin sons. She credits her wish with helping her overcome the emotional weight that followed her diagnosis and treatment.

“I think about like, what if I hadn’t had a wish? What would have happened,” Molly said. “I’m sure I would’ve climbed out eventually, but how long would that have taken?”

Her wish to go to New York Fashion Week was born from her love of fashion magazines. During her treatment, flipping through pages filled with runway looks and iconic supermodels became both a distraction and source of joy. She admired the artistry and glamour, and when she found out her wish would come true, the thought of attending a real-life fashion show gave her the energy and motivation to persevere through the hardest parts of her treatment.

“We were transported to this completely other place,” Molly said. “And to walk around at that point, I had a little bit of fuzz [on my head], but nobody cared. And just to be able to move through the world like that … [it] makes you feel like yourself again.”

Though her wish was granted 26 years ago, the impact remains – rippling through her life and her family’s. They continue to Wish-It-Forward™ by speaking at local events and volunteering as wish granters, helping to make more wishes like Molly’s possible for the next generation.

Have you or a family member experienced the life-changing power of a wish? You can share your story and Wish-It-Forward like Molly by submitting your story for our Wish Blog.