Elizabeth's Wish

In 2006, I was a typical kindergartener who loved going to school & playing with friends. Toward the end of the school year, my parents and teachers started to notice changes in my ability to walk and the muscles in my face & hands. After a referral to Riley Hospital for Children, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was growing on my brain stem and affecting the entire right side of my body. After my diagnosis, the doctors at Riley performed a 14-hour surgery to remove the majority of the tumor. I later had chemotherapy, as well as speech, vision, physical, and occupational rehabilitation therapies to regain what I had lost.

During my treatment, I learned that I was going to receive a "wish". Throughout my health journey, I was obsessed with the Eloise at The Plaza movies. She was a spunky and adventurous girl who lived in The Plaza Hotel in New York City. I knew that I wanted to be just like her and stay at The Plaza for my wish!

From the very beginning, my wish trip was magical. We flew on an airplane to NYC. Once we were there, we saw Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the giant piano at FAO Schwarz, and more. Then, it was time to go to The Plaza. Their staff treated us like royalty! We had our very own butler, got to go into "secret" parts of the hotel, and were treated to an ice cream sundae bar. As an 8-year-old, it felt like I was living in a dream, but for my entire family, it was an escape from the frequent doctor's visits, scans, treatments, and therapies. Make-A-Wish truly took care of every member of my family, including my siblings who were 3 and 5. From spending money, to special tours, and transportation, Make-A-Wish handled everything. This trip allowed for us to be a "normal" family and make memories without worrying about my health or expenses. While I was too young to remember many details about my cancer journey, I vividly remember my Make-A-Wish trip, and I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to have my wish granted.

Make-A-Wish provides impactful experiences for each and every family they work with. Today, I am a fifth-grade teacher, and I have seen firsthand the life changing impact that it has had on some of my students who have recently received a wish. The money donated to Make-A-Wish is more than just a dollar amount. It truly is providing a life-changing experience and a chance to make positive memories for children who are spending their childhood in a hospital.