Make-A-Wish Alum Designs “Kick Childhood Cancer” Capes for Houston Dynamo

12-Year-Old Houston Girl “Wishing It Forward” for Other Kids Fighting Cancer

Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana and wish alumna Melinda Moreno are recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month through her design of superhero capes in partnership with the Houston Dynamo.

The capes will be given to attendees at the Dynamo’s match on September 16. The day is especially meaningful for Melinda, as her wish for art lessons and to display her art in a gallery was granted on September 16, 2021.

Now 12 years old, Moreno, who lives in Houston with her family, is celebrating the two-year anniversary of her wish with another art endeavor. The capes are reflective of Melinda’s bold and vibrant personality, and they share the same messages of bravery, strength, and love that were essential to her battle with pediatric cancer.

Prior to the match, Melinda will be recognized on the field for her artwork, and she will begin the game with the ceremonial “first kick.”

In addition to recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Melinda is excited that her day at the game coincides with the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Make-A-Wish Childhood Cancer Awareness Facts
• 43 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each day.
• 54 percent of wish kids are battling some form of cancer.
• Aided by the power of a wish, more than 70 percent of wish kids live into adulthood.

Date/Time: September 16; 7:30 pm
Location: Shell Energy Stadium; 2200 Texas Avenue; Houston; 77003
Interview Opportunities: Representatives from Make-A-Wish will be on-site and available for comment. Melinda and her family will be made available immediately after the game begins.
**Due to credentialing protocols of the Dynamo, media are requested to RSVP to Brian Smith at [email protected] by 12:30 pm on Friday, September 15.**