During her many rounds of chemo, videos of sloths became Emmy’s most effective source of relief. Emmy’s wish was the ultimate victory lap after recovering from her illness.

Given how severe Emmy’s illness got, her mom, Nancy, grew weary of whether her condition would ever be stable enough for them to travel to have her wish granted. At one point, Emmy’s mobility was even affected by the treatment, using a wheelchair to get around. This month of March marks a year since Emmy ended her last round of chemotherapy and started remission.

Emmy, her parents, and siblings traveled all the way from Colorado to the sunshine state for her wish! Their entire week in Florida was the ultimate animal lover’s paradise, perfectly suited for Emmy, with tickets to a Lion Country Safari, Jungle Island, and Zoo Miami.

The highlight of Emmy’s wish journey? Joining Ron Magill, Zoo Miami’s Goodwill Ambassador, for a VIP adventure inside one of the country’s largest and most diverse zoological parks.

Ron customized Emmy’s tour with her deep love and admiration of sloths in mind, ensuring she would have her special moment with one. Emmy beamed from ear to ear as she finally got to enter their enclosure to watch, pet, and even feed a sloth a carrot. She didn’t want to leave!

Ron wrapped up this VIP tour with a very special surprise—Emmy was gifted a plush toy sloth, along with a certificate of adoption of a two-toed sloth in her name! Her wish was no longer a mere fleeting happy memory but a lasting symbol of joy she could carry with her long after the day ended.

Nancy recalled each member of the family coping with this period of hardship in different ways. Emmy’s leukemia made joyful moments together rare. They were in disbelief reaching this moment of levity and relief just months later. Emmy’s affinity for sloths kept a smile on her face throughout chemo, finding peace in their gentle, docile nature. After months on end of enduring treatment, Emmy’s wish felt like a victory lap for her and her entire family, getting to meet the animal that ultimately helped her healing.

Watching Emmy’s genuine happiness unfold reminded them that healing isn’t only medical—it’s mental for everyone involved and happens through moments like these. Emmy’s wish is a symbol of their emotional healing.

Sweet wishes like Emmy’s would not be possible without the support of Ron Magill and the amazing team at Zoo Miami!

This wish was granted in collaboration with Make-A-Wish Colorado.