I wish to go to the Walt Disney World® Resort to visit princesses

Taylor

5

leukemia

Taylor in Make-A-Wish blue tshirt, sitting on sidewalk with arms raised in joy.

Taylor’s Wish Brings Joy, Confidence and Lifelong Family Memories 

Taylor is a vibrant and bubbly 5-year-old who has a passion for gymnastics and watching Disney Princess movies. However, when Taylor was only 3 years old, she was diagnosed with leukemia.

Suddenly, Taylor’s life was turned upside down by constant hospital visits and frightening treatments. 

While in the hospital, Taylor turned to her beloved Disney fairytales to bring magic and joy back into her life. She watched her favorite princess movies over and over to escape into royal fantasies. When Taylor learned she would be granted a wish, she knew immediately that she wanted to go to the Walt Disney World® Resort to meet all the Disney Princesses who helped her get through treatment. 

“In that moment of diagnosis, you feel so helpless,” said Cheryl, Taylor’s mom. “Learning about Make-A-Wish and knowing we could be able to help Taylor have her [wish], meant the world.”  

Together, Make-A-Wish and Disney created a magical week for Taylor, sending her family to Florida to explore the Disney parks, experience enchanted rides and meet all her favorite Disney characters. 

The most exciting moment of the trip came on Taylor’s birthday, when she attended a royal dinner set up just for her. At her special birthday celebration, a beaming Taylor spent time laughing, chatting, and posing for photos with each of the Disney Princesses, including her favorite, Cinderella!

Taylor and her family at Disney
Taylor and her family sitting at dinner with princess Ariel.

“Taylor was at a loss for words, she was so excited,” Cheryl said. “She was grinning the whole time. She still talks about the moment when each of the princesses signed her autograph book. It was exciting to see that twinkle in her eye.” 

Every day of her trip was a chance for Taylor to find joy and excitement and to simply enjoy being a kid again. After months of exhausting treatments, Taylor’s wish gave her family an opportunity to focus on each other and create everlasting memories. It also gave Taylor the chance to experience life beyond illness and build hope for a brighter future. 

“Taylor’s behavior since her wish has been so positive,” Cheryl said. “Her trip made her more adventurous and I love that for her."

She has come out of her shell, she’s more confident than ever and the whole experience made such a difference for her and our family. I’m so grateful.
Cheryl
Taylor's Mom
Taylor and her mom on sidewalk

Today, Taylor is cancer-free. Now, she is preparing to ring the bell signifying the end of her cancer treatments. She is even getting ready to compete on a competitive gymnastics team. “Taylor is doing amazing!” Cheryl said. “We will always appreciate everything Make-A-Wish has done for us.” 

For the past 40+ years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have been providing magic to wish kids and their families when they need it most. Together, we’ve made more than 145,000 wishes come true for children around the world just like Taylor, and we’re just getting started.