Vanessa Tries On Her Tail

After six-year-old Vanessa underwent a bone marrow transplant in her battle with cancer, she decided it was time to make some waves!

After all, it is her love of mermaids that helps her continue fighting. Watching movies and videos about mermaids always keeps her spirits up.

Vanessa and her family stayed at the Boca Beach Club for a much-needed vacation because she learned that mermaids frequented the nearby beach. After a VIP room service breakfast, Vanessa took a walk along the shoreline where she discovered her aquatic friends.

"I feel good because my daughter is happy."

Vanessa's father

Vanessa was star struck to interact with the mermaids. They invited her to the resort pool for a swim. Little did she know that she would also receive her very own mermaid tail! As the newest mermaid, Vanessa got some tips on how to swim with her new tail. Vanessa’s time in their world also included getting her hair and makeup done and being the guest of honor at a poolside cabana party where she enjoyed eating lunch with the mermaids in “human form.”

Vanessa’s father said, “She’s a happy person, but when she is sick, it’s not like that. When she was in the hospital, it was very difficult for her. But now, she’s really happy.”

Wish Granter: Claudia Hurvitz
Referred by Melissa Stachowiak, her social worker
Wish adopted by Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Tatiana Cancro