Aven's Wish

When you’re an 8-year-old girl who loves princesses, dressing up, makeup, and Halloween, what would you wish for? Simple, a trip to Disney World, the happiest place on earth. That’s just what she received from Make-A-Wish Wyoming this past October.

As a baby, Aven was diagnosed with a heart condition that resulted in a heart transplant at just 10 months old. Since then, Aven, who lives with her family in Afton, has grown into a fun-loving, outgoing kid who loves people and can talk to anyone and everyone.

“She’s doing great! You would never know she had a transplant. She is just like every other kid – except her favorite thing in the world is Halloween. From the start, Aven knew she wanted to go to Disney World,” says Aven’s mom, Hannah. 

Aven’s wish came at the perfect time as Disney turns into an even more magical place during Halloween. For a kid who plans her costumes a year in advance, this was the ultimate Halloween party and a trip she and her family would never forget.

Aven’s first stop was the Magic Kingdom where they took in all the amazing sights before heading to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Here, Aven received the ultimate princess’ treatment. First, she picked out her princess dress, then had her makeup done and nails painted before topping off her look with a sprinkle of fairy dust. The best part: Aven was taken to meet Cinderella herself at Cinderella’s Castle!

After her royal transformation, Aven and her family stayed in the park after dark where they watched a Halloween concert performed by the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus. All the Disney villains even made an appearance in the crowd. After the concert Aven and her family watched Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parade and went trick-or-treating throughout the park before ending the night with an incredible fireworks show in the park.

“The entire trip was so much fun. The Give Kids the World resort, where we stayed, is truly amazing. Aven loved every second, I’d say her favorite part was the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. It was so special for her,” says Hannah.

Aven’s trip also included a visit to SeaWorld, a day at Universal Studios (a must for Aven so she could visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter) and finally a visit to Epcot and Hollywood Studios where Aven’s cousins spent the entire day with her and her family; an extra special surprise on top of an already incredible trip.

“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for us. It was so amazing, and everyone was so kind everywhere we went. We had the best experience together as a family at Disney World, which was only possible because of Make-A-Wish Wyoming. It’s something that we will cherish for a long, long time,” says Hannah.

You can help Make-A-Wish Wyoming grant life-changing wishes for kids like Aven across Wyoming. If you know a child who is eligible for a wish, refer them to Make-A-Wish Wyoming or donate today to help make dreams come true.