Sayde's Wish

At age nine, Sayde was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in her brain – a life-threatening condition that needs to be closely monitored by her neurosurgeon and neural ophthalmologist. She has spent many hours in the car taking trips to Massachusetts General Hospital, as it is one of only two hospitals in the country that can provide her with a necessary Proton Radiation Treatment.

When Sayde was told she was eligible for a wish, she immediately knew she wanted to take a different kind of trip with her whole family. She loves the ocean and anything Disney, so Make-A-Wish Vermont sent Sayde on a Disney^® Cruise! On the cruise, her family was able to spend carefree time together laughing, relaxing and simply enjoying one another." The power of being touched by strangers is overwhelming," expressed Holly, Sayde's mom. "People that we didn't even know wanted to bring my daughter the happiness she deserves. They too believed that what was happening to her was just not fair."

Sayde said the thing she liked the very most about the cruise was that there was always something really fun to do from morning until night time. Her favorite memories include her private party with Alice and the Mad Hatter and the Pirate ship which allowed them to shoot cannons at the cruise ship. Her most favorite event was the Dolphin Encounter – a memory that evokes a huge smile. But perhaps the best memory she'll take away from her wish trip was the chance to create regular childhood memories of her own. "Make-A-Wish helps kids get over that they have a problem and makes them feel like they are normal," she added.