Ariana was just two years old when she faced her first surgery, a challenging experience that would mark the beginning of a long journey. Over the next few years, she would undergo multiple organ transplants, each one testing her strength. Yet, despite the hardships, Ariana remained the same talkative, creative, and loving child. She found joy in dressing up as something new every day and brought happiness to everyone she encountered with her bright infectious spirit.
When their social worker at Nemours told them that Ariana was eligible for a Make-A-Wish, her family knew immediately that she would wish for something fun. After years of hospital rooms, doctor visits, and medical challenges, Ariana was granted a trip to Walt Disney World—a dream come true for any child, but especially for one who had faced so much.
The day of the trip began with a special moment. Ariana, full of excitement, handed a thank-you card to the pilot, expressing her gratitude for the flight to Florida. She even had the chance to sit with the pilot and learn about the plane—an experience that filled her with wonder.
But the magic of the trip really came to life when Ariana met the characters. Her favorite memories were the moments spent talking to and interacting with them. She had the chance to dance with Daisy Duck, something that, just a few years ago, Ariana had been too weak to do. Seeing her move, laugh, and dance was a moment her family will never forget.
For Ariana's mom, the Make-A-Wish experience was a turning point. She recalls how thrilled she was to see Ariana running around, dancing, and laughing. It was a stark contrast to the days when Ariana couldn’t walk without becoming tired or run without running out of breath. Those memories of struggle now seemed distant, replaced by the joy and freedom Ariana felt at Disney World.
Reflecting on the experience, Ariana’s mom expressed deep gratitude. While many people support Make-A-Wish, which made this special trip possible, she wants to do her part to continue the impact. She knows firsthand just how important the organization is to families like hers, and she hopes to give back to ensure that other children can have their own magical wishes come true.
From a medical perspective, the impact of a wish is undeniable.
“Some of these patients just get to know that people care about them and that all the time spent in the hospital... there is something outside the hospital that they can look forward to,” said Dr. Adebowale A. Adeyemi, a pediatric transplant hepatologist at Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware. “After all of that is done, to be able to experience this wonderful wish as a family—it’s really fantastic. I think it strengthens the bond between parents and children, and also with the caregivers.”
For Ariana and her family, that bond—and that hope—grew stronger with every magical moment.