Born with congenital heart disease, Joan spent years under the care of her cardiologists carefully managing a pacemaker that kept her heart going. In 2007 when she was 14 years old, her pacemaker stopped working and she was rushed into the hospital for an emergency procedure to save her life. It was then that she was introduced to Make-A-Wish and was given the opportunity to dream big.

As an aspiring musician, Joan admired many musical icons but the minute she learned she was eligible for a wish, the chance to meet her true hero came to mind immediately… she wished to meet Dolly Parton! Joan envisioned meeting the country music legend at Dollywood, a place she had always dreamed of visiting. The very idea of this heartfelt wish coming true helped Joan get through her recovery.

Fast forward to April 12, 2008, Joan is patiently (and nervously!) waiting at the backstage restaurant in Dollywood, she hears laughter in the distance and the click-clack of high heels, but Dolly cannot be seen yet. Then suddenly she appeared, dressed in a rhinestone-studded jean jacket and the tallest red sparkly high heels she had ever seen, with a big, welcoming smile on her face to greet her #1 fan.

Joan recalls how the bigger-than-life star had the ability to make her feel like she was the only other person in the room. Over the next half hour, Dolly never let go of her hand except to sign autographs, and Joan presented her with a few gifts and expressed how much of an influence Dolly had on her musical aspirations. The two had a natural rapport and despite feeling starstruck, Joan felt like she had made a new friend. After the life-changing meet & greet, Joan and her family were treated to front row seats while Dolly performed.

Almost 15 years later, Joan says the following about her wish experience…