Gemma, who just celebrated her 7^th birthday, battled leukemia for more than two years. Her love of animals gave her something positive to focus on, helping her through the most difficult times with ICU stays, aggressive treatments and chemotherapy at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Now in remission, Gemma was beyond excited to experience her wish – to have a VIP experience at Zoo Miami.

During the limo ride to the zoo, Gemma, her parents and her grandparents had silly balloon fights and a dance party. A huge “Happy Wish Day” sign and a red carpet told Gemma this was no ordinary day at the zoo. A private tour of animal adventures with behind-the-scenes access was planned based on Gemma’s favorite animals.

Zoo Miami Goodwill Ambassador Ron Magill took her under his wing for up close and personal encounters with her favorite creatures.

Ron continues, "To see her smile, having a great time and knowing the things that she has battled through, this is a true privilege and a pleasure. The sounds of the animals are incredible inspirations that I hope she’ll remember because I know I’ll remember them forever.”

Gemma’s caravan of golf carts explored the zoo, stopping for visits with her favorite animals. Gemma could feel the enormity of the giraffes as she fed them lettuce. Gemma took selfies with the tortoise and giggled at the sounds of the elephants and the chimpanzees.  

Her grandmother said, “What a gift of giving! I’m amazed at people who truly pay attention to what kids go through. This was the gift of childhood and innocence, the chance to be a kid again. We could not stop smiling. It was a day of so much laughter and joy!”

Gemma’s attention was on the animals, but Ron’s attention was on Gemma, keeping her engaging and ensuring that her wish was the best it could be. As they approached Winston the cheetah, Ron presented Gemma with a cheetah ears headband and a stuffed cheetah, which she named Pepsi.

Gemma was a little disappointed to discover that Leila the tiger was out of sight, resting in the shade when they approached her home. However, as Gemma and her family were exiting the zoo, they passed Leila’s habitat, and the tiger was out just to see Gemma. It was surreal!

Gemma’s mother said, “It was precious. Just watching her come back to that safe space of being a kid and being carefree, it makes my heart soar. Every kid deserves to be able to be a kid.”

Wish kid Oliver, who wished to be a construction worker, and his mother adopted Gemma’s wish. They were excited to witness Gemma’s wish. Oliver, who battles a gastrointestinal disorder, noticed Gemma’s port and made her extra comfortable by sharing, “Look, I have a port too.” The pair became fast friends, holding hands and continuing their friendship since her wish.

Gemma’s mother said, “Connecting with another wish family, it’s like a sisterhood, a familyhood. We are connected in a way that other people couldn’t and shouldn’t understand.”

After all the animal antics, Gemma worked up an appetite so she refueled with a delicious (and gorgeous) wish-inspired cake! Upon returning home, Gemma wears her cheetah ears and hugs Pepsi the stuffed cheetah everywhere she goes.

Wish Granters: Adria Minevich & Shelby Ruebens
Referred by Julie Torsiello, her mother
Wish adopted by Wish Kid Oliver and his mom Jacki

Gemma’s wish is the 15,000^th granted by Make-A-Wish Southern Florida since 1983, making it one of only four chapters in the world, and the only one of its size, to reach this milestone. Back in April 1998, Make-A-Wish granted its 2,000^th wish  when Danni, a 9-year-old with a brain tumor, wished to pet baby animals. Her wish also took place with Ron Magill at Zoo Miami (when it was Metro Zoo).

Ron said, “The greatest reward that I have working at the zoo is connecting kids, especially Make-A-Wish kids, to wildlife. It’s no secret that Make-A-WIsh is my favorite charity. I’ve been able to work with them for decades.”