While her friends were enjoying their senior year and preparing for college, Sherilyn received the news that she had been diagnosed with cancer at only 17 years old. Sherilyn should have been enjoying cheer practice and hanging out with her friends, but instead she found herself attending countless doctor appointments and enduring endless chemotherapy treatments.  

Sherilyn felt like she lost everything that she cared about, but Make-A-Wish Colorado was determined to change that with the hope and joy of a wish come true! 

While Sherilyn thought about her one true wish, her heart was always set on a puppy- a fluffy friend to care for and cuddle. Sherilyn watched endless puppy videos and would scroll through pictures for hours in anticipation of a new four-legged friend joining their family. Eventually, she decided on a French Bulldog named Arlo. She spent the weeks before he arrived looking at photos of him as he grew! “Watching Sherilyn prepare for her new puppy was amazing - she readied her room like a new mom does when she is expecting a new baby!” said Sherilyn’s mother.  

Finally, the day for Sherilyn to have her wish granted arrived! Sherilyn was thrilled to finally meet Arlo and her mother gushed that her genuine smile was “one she hadn’t seen in a very long time.” To make the wish even more special, Arlo was born on Sherilyn’s diagnosis date; so now September 18 has a new and wonderful significance for Sherilyn and her family! 

Sherilyn’s family has enjoyed welcoming a new member into their family. Sherilyn’s younger brother, Jax, has been training Arlo to roll over and high five. Sherilyn's mom and step-dad said they enjoy having Arlo around as well, not just for the impact he has had on Sherilyn, but also having a four-legged pal join them for their morning coffee!  

“I am not really sure how we got through treatment without him. Arlo gives Sherilyn a reason to get up and come out of her room, go outside and socialize. He gives her the confidence she lost during the treatment,” shared her mother. 

Sherilyn shared that the wish gave her the strength to overcome many of the challenges she was facing, like frequent ICU visits, losing her hair for a third time and the uncertainty of relapsing. A wish come true helps children feel stronger, more energetic, more willing and able to battle their critical illnesses. For many, the wish marks a turning point in the fight against their illnesses.  

Make-A-Wish Colorado is excited to share that after 845 days of treatment, Sherilyn is now cancer-free! You can follow the adventures of Sherilyn and Arlo on Instagram at @alrothemakeawishfrenchie