Tropical islands have an abundance of “mana,” hailed in Polynesian culture as the spiritual energy of power and strength. And 18-year-old Grace from Crofton, MD, surely has an abundance of mana within her, as her courage and resilience has carried her through a lifelong battle with a congenital heart disease.

Despite all her medical journey’s hardships, Grace has an adventurous, fun-loving spirit that was bound to take her far – fitting for her wish to go to on a tropical vacation!

Due to Grace’s health complications and temporary pause on travel wishes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Grace waited approximately five years for her wish to come true. Finally being able to get on a plane and touch down in tropical paradise was a surreal moment not only for Grace, but for her entire family as well.

Grace’s mom, Tricia, said, “The weather was perfect, the beach was spectacular, and the activities were fun-filled. The five of us were together for nine days and we all had a good time together the entire time — quite a feat with three teenagers!”

While on her wish trip, Grace experienced many memorable wish moments, including swimming with dolphins, surfing, exploring the island, and waking up in her Oceanview room each morning, being able to spot sea turtles down below! Grace especially loved the variety of food and all the shops and street performers near her hotel. Though Grace’s condition often tires her easily, she had a lot of energy throughout her trip and was able to keep up with all the fun plans!

“Thank you for all your work to create the most wonderful trip for our family,” Tricia said. “This Make-A-Wish trip was truly a dream — perfect in every way. We are so incredibly grateful, still pinching ourselves and dreaming of palm trees, sand and the beautiful blue ocean!”