From the Bayou to the Beach: Emily’s Hawaiian Adventure
NEW ORLEANS, LA (July 29, 2025) – This summer, Make-A-Wish® Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana is teaming up with "Genentech (a member of the Roche group)" to celebrate a very special Wish Kid: Emily, a courageous 14-year-old girl bravely fighting leukemia. With her curious mind and adventurous heart, Hawaii is the perfect place for Emily to dive into new experiences and soak up the beauty of the world around her. Emily is bursting with excitement, filled with plans for snorkeling, swimming with sea turtles and dolphins, whale watching, and exploring the Dole Pineapple Plantation. But what she’s looking forward to most is sharing every magical moment with her family and creating unforgettable memories together.
To honor Emily’s wish, a special celebration will take place on Tuesday, July 29, at the Audubon Aquarium, located at 1 Canal Street in New Orleans - the perfect setting for a girl who feels most at home near the water. Starting at 9:00 AM, friends, family, and supporters will gather to enjoy a morning of interactive fun — from watching the penguins and feeding the green sea turtles to releasing butterflies and enjoying a special lunch together. We’re thankful to Genentech for their generous partnership, which helps bring moments like this to life. Media is invited to attend anytime between 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM for b-roll opportunities of the penguin and turtle feeds, and interviews.
“The local Genentech team (Arkansas/Louisiana/Mississippi ecosystem) is incredibly excited that they have the opportunity to directly participate in granting a wish for Emily, a courageous patient fighting leukemia. Being able to contribute to such a meaningful experience within our own community, and witness firsthand the positive impact on Emily's journey, is truly inspiring for all of us. We stand with Emily and her family during this time and are honored to be a part of making her wish a reality.”
This event is much more than a celebration—it represents hope, fresh starts, and the exciting journey ahead. Surrounded by the vibrant life of the aquarium, Emily will get a glimpse of the adventure waiting for her in Hawaii. It’s a special moment to connect with the beauty of the ocean and the thrill of new experiences, reminding her that her dream is close at hand and that she’s supported by a caring community every step of the way.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Michelle Mason, Director of Marketing & Communications, (713)-562-5594, mmason@texgulf.wish.org, Erin Joubert, Community Development & Marketing Coordinator, (504) 858-5426, ejoubert@texgulf.wish.org