When Mayte was 12, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She began receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles while continuing to tackle her schoolwork and taking care of her health at home. Unfortunately, the pandemic also hit during this time and she, like most wish children, needed to be further isolated to protect herself from the virus. That’s why it was so important to Make-A-Wish that she receive her wish as soon as possible. Something she could enjoy while she’s quarantining at home and that would bring her joy and hope for the future.

Mayte’s unique wish was to have an accordion! She has always loved playing instruments. She started with the piano and then the guitar but she still wanted to learn more. Her uncle introduced her to the accordion and she was hooked. He plays corridos, which are a style of Mexican folk songs. Mayte’s hope was to one day be able to play a duet with him. She let our volunteers know that there are different types of accordions but she specifically wanted a Hohner "anacleto el italiano,” because it creates the right tones for corridos and is more compact so she can easily hold it.

On Mayte’s wish day, Make-A-Wish staff, volunteers, family, and friends surprised her on her front lawn. She was greeted by an all-female mariachi band playing festive music and tons of balloons, gifts, and of course her new blue accordion. There wasn’t a dry eye when Mayte’s dad asked her to dance and sang her a very special song as a surprise.

This wish and every wish we have granted during the pandemic required an intense level of planning to ensure everyone involved was safe. We ensured Mayte’s safety by remaining socially distant outside, doing a car parade so her extended family was able to participate in her wish day, and gifting her virtual music lessons so she could learn to play her new instrument at home. A year later, Mayte is thriving and has learned to play the accordion beautifully. Her dad says, “I am very proud of my daughter. Despite what she’s had, she always keeps moving forward.”