I wish to be Rapunzel

AnnaLeigh

7

blood disorder

034_Wish Kid_AnnaLeigh

A Princess in a Tower and the COMMUNITY that put her there

"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!"

It's a famous line children all over the world have read from Grimms' Fairy Tales. It evokes a distinct image of long, beautiful hair. 7-year-old AnnaLeigh was no exception. However, when she underwent chemotherapy for a blood disorder AnnaLeigh lost her hair. The loss challenged her sense of identity and confidence but the community was not content to let that be the end
of her story.

When news spread of AnnaLeigh's wish, many people asked, "How can I help?" Hundreds of people wanted to celebrate AnnaLeigh's courage. Local business owners joined in to make her wish extra special: a salon who enhanced her hair with beautiful red swirling extensions, a boutique finding her the perfect gown in royal blue, a chef preparing AnnaLeigh a lunch fit for a princess, and a local University providing the idyllic setting for her special day. There was no question that everyone recognized the importance of her wish being fulfilled.

AnnaLeigh's wish to be Rapunzel, restored her confidence but it also renewed the spirit of everyone who took part in her wish. With each wave she gave from atop her trusty white steed during her royal procession alongside the shimmering lake, the hundreds of people gathered were endued with her strength.

As Prince Charming called out to her and she threw down her hair from the iconic Bell Tower, Make-A-Wish volunteers and supporters felt the restorative power of a wish coming true. At the end of her wish each spectator simultaneously released a balloon with AnnaLeigh symbolically highlighting the rejuvenation provided by the wish experience. AnnaLeigh's wish to be Rapunzel will be a source of inspiration and encouragement for her for years to come but it will also be one for each person who took part in her wish. We salute the community of supporters who rallied behind a princess.