Cate is four years old and is not afraid to be herself. She’s silly, spunky, theatrical, and loves princesses, especially Cinderella. Without fear, Cate dances like no one is watching and sings like no one is listening. As a true Wyoming girl, Cate is not scared to grab the bull by the horns and stand her ground. Even at her young age, she can be described as headstrong, which served her well through all the medical treatments life threw her way.

Not long before Cate’s second birthday, her parents noticed seemingly normal cold symptoms that would not subside. After a few days, Cate was not eating well, felt lethargic and tired, stopped playing as usual, and became noticeably pale. Concerned, her parents quickly took her to the doctor, hoping for a remedy for Cate’s symptoms. During the exam, her pediatrician discovered three little red dots, known as petechiae, which can be a sign of leukemia.

After drawing labs and running bloodwork, cancer cells were identified in the results; Cate was sent to Denver Children’s Hospital, where she was diagnosed with leukemia. For eight months, Cate and her mom stayed at the hospital in Denver, during which she received the first round of chemotherapy. Once she completed that first round with flying colors, Cate had one more, longer round of maintenance chemotherapy, officially bringing her into remission on January 6^th, 2025.  

“The treatment for leukemia is intense, but after Cate finished just the first month of chemo, it was like she was a whole new kid. Even though she went through these extensive treatments, she stayed so positive and kept singing, which has continued through today,” says Cate’s mom, Tareyn.

With treatment behind her and the excitement of a wish ahead, Cate was eager for her wish to visit Disney World, granted by Make-A-Wish Wyoming, to begin. More specifically, she dreamt of visiting Cinderella’s Castle. With her mom, dad, and older sister Cora by her side, Cate set out for the happiest place on Earth. The family stayed at Give Kids the World Resort, which Cate loved. She enjoyed playing in the splash pad, savoring the free ice cream, indulging in spa treatments, dancing to the music, and getting to know other kids facing similar challenges.

Cate and her family did it all, leaving no park at Disney World unexplored. They visited Universal Studios on their first day, where Cate met the Minions and got her own wand at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Cinderella’s Castle was scheduled for the next day, and this was Cate’s must-see item on her wish trip checklist. With breakfast booked at Cinderella's Castle, Cate and her sister, dressed in their best princess gowns, enjoyed bacon, Mickey Mouse waffles, and pictures with Cinderella. They also sat chatting with all the Disney princesses from Merida and Moana to Cinderella and Snow White.

“We were trying not to cry the whole time at breakfast. The princesses were so incredible. They sat at our table and talked with Cate and Cora for the longest time. Then, before leaving, one of the princesses gave Cate the biggest hug. It was one of those hugs where you just hold onto each other for the longest time. They went above and beyond, it was the most magical moment,” says Tareyn.

The day after Cate’s memorable breakfast with Cinderella was spent riding all the rides in the Magic Kingdom. At just four years old, Cate had no fear and enjoyed every one of those rides. The family then ventured to Animal Kingdom to catch the anticipated safari ride and visit the baby elephant, who shares the same name as Cate’s sister, Cora. Cate also spent two days at Epcot with a specific mission to meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen, who spent one-on-one time with Cate. Finally, their last Disney World excursion was to Hollywood Studios to ride even more rides and enjoy their family time together.

“For the vast majority of Cate’s treatment, knowing her wish was coming at the end was what got her through. When the trip finally came, about a month after her treatment ended, it was not only amazing, but it was the best way to close the treatment chapter of her life and mark the beginning of her normal life as a kid. It was special, wonderful, and beyond all our expectations. Cate continues to look back through the photos and recall our incredible trip,” says Tareyn.

Now, Cate has been cleared to attend preschool and has officially attended her first semester. She’s been busy making friends, having fun, and staying true to her theatrical, outgoing self. Although she still has monthly checkups to monitor her health, Cate continues to sing and dance as if no one is watching.

You can help kids around Wyoming experience a life-changing wish like Cate’s. If you know a child eligible for a wish, refer them to Make-A-Wish Wyoming or donate today to help make dreams come true.