Norah loves fireworks, parades, and any sensory experience with vibrant colors or bright lights. Despite her diagnosis with a nervous system disorder, Norah has always been happy, energetic, and adventurous. From exploring museums in Chicago to watching local bands perform, Norah and her family take every opportunity to make fun memories together.

During her treatment, one of Norah’s doctors referred her to Make-A-Wish. For Norah’s parents, the idea of travelling anywhere more than an hour away from their home in the south suburbs of Chicago felt impossible. But when their wish discovery volunteer mentioned a trip to Walt Disney World, Norah’s doctors determined she was healthy enough to travel, and her family’s dreams got a lot bigger.

Once her wish was determined, the planning and preparation came easy for the family. Coordinators took care of everything, including the transportation of her medical devices and other needs. This took the weight off the family’s shoulders. All they had to do was pack their suitcases and get ready to enjoy the experience.

Norah’s parents were pleasantly surprised by just how accessible the theme park was. Norah got to enjoy many wheelchair accessible rides, watch parades, and even put her own star on the castle at Give Kids the World. Tiffany, Norah’s mom, shared, “It was like a dream come true vacation. Everything was perfect.”  

“[The wish] was a feeling like no other. To see her fully recognized in a world that usually isn’t so accessible was emotional." While the whole experience was unforgettable, there was one particularly special moment of Norah’s wish. Her wish landed on a very important day for Norah and her family. Exactly five years prior to the day they were exploring Magic Kingdom; Norah had just undergone an intense surgery and recovery process. "It was a full circle moment; we were overcome with joy for her. We never thought that five years later we would be here.”

For Norah and her family, this wish was more than just a vacation. It provided them with a whole new outlook on life. “Wishes bring a lot of hope and joy to families during really hard times. For us, it gave us the confidence to do more with Norah,” said Tiffany.