Her life turned upside down as she battled her critical illness not once, but twice. Through it all, she remained positive and upbeat.  

Years into remission, Zayia wished to give comfort items to the patients on the same floor of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital where she was treated for leukemia. She wanted to give comfort items to help the kids currently battling cancer during their toughest moments. Living in Georgia now, Zayia and her family embarked on a road trip to Miami on her mission of love and hope.

In anticipation of Zayia’s wish, blankets, stuffed animals, insulated drink tumblers and cozy socks were preordered. She and her family visited the Make-A-Wish office a day early to fill dozens of Make-A-Wish bags with the comfort items. Zayia explained, “During my protocol, I was comforted by soft things so I want to give kids soft things to keep them warm. Tumblers will help them stay hydrated, and stuffed animals will give them something to hold if they get scared or uncomfortable.”

Her wish day was special for even more reasons. It was her 21^st birthday and she chose to spend the day giving gifts to others. It was also a Tuesday, which was her chemo day.  

Dr. Maggie Fader, her oncologist, was there to greet Zayia with open arms. Dr. Fader said, “It's really thrilling to see Zayia come back to help us help other kids. She looks so healthy, vibrant and happy. We’re so happy to see her cured and that everything she went through was worth it.”

Zayia spread smiles as she went from hospital room to hospital room, delivering handpicked gifts pulled along in a wagon of hope. A little girl presented Zayia with a handmade birthday card, while others had signs to welcome her. Zayia took a moment to reflect as she passed the bell that she rung when she was declared cancer-free years ago.  

Dr. Maggie Fader said, “Patients face hardships. They have bad days with their treatments and their chemotherapy. Seeing someone who’s been through it and came back like Zayia - in perfect health, cured, and now ready to help other kids where she used to be – is nothing but inspiring.”

Wish granted in collaboration with Make-A-Wish Georgia
Photos courtesy of Nicklaus Children's Hospital