She loves all things pink and like many kids, Teresa is a big fan of pasta and pizza. Her favorite characters are Peppa the Pig, Moana, and Minnie Mouse and she loves the Disney movie Frozen.  You’ll often see her smiling and enjoying time with her younger brother or playing outside. Teresa has retinal blastoma but continues to carry an energetic, full spirit.   

When Teresa heard that she could have her wish granted, she immediately knew her wish was to have an outdoor playground. Her mom, Ashley, shared with us how much Teresa loved playgrounds and had always wanted one. When she heard she could have her very own playground in her backyard as her wish by Make-A-Wish® Rio Grande Valley, she was thrilled! With the play system a few steps away from her house just at the exit of her home’s backdoor, Teresa can have tremendous fun and adventures outside with her family.  

Full of excitement, Teresa awaited her wish with anticipation. When the day came, Teresa could not wait to set foot on her very own playground. She was accompanied by her biggest supporters, her mom and younger brother, as she stepped outside her house towards her wish. With her mom holding her hand and her eyes blindfolded with a colorful kid’s sleep mask, Teresa was guided to her backyard. They stopped right in front of Teresa’s wish, her mom lifted off the mask from her eyes, and Teresa giggled and exclaimed in surprise, “it’s a playground!” 

Teresa, no longer able to wait another moment, ran towards the playground and was soon scaling up the plastic climbing rocks to reach the top tower of the playground. When she reached the top, she skipped over to the wooden playground fence to look down and witness the view from the height of her new playground. She gazed around in awe and proceeded to do a little celebratory happy dance as she jumped and spun in happiness.  

Teresa’s wish that became a reality gave her the opportunity to make joyful childhood memories away from hospital visits that her condition requires. These happy lasting memories of playing outside in her playground will be cherished as she continues to be the energetic, smiling child she is.