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Even before Emily left for her wish to meet Cinderella at Walt Disney World® Resort, the experience had made a change in her. It turned back the clock and made her more like the cheerful, curly-haired child she was before being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia before her second birthday.
Though Emily was in remission within a matter of months, the cancer took its toll. The frequent treatments and medications made her hungry, irritable and listless. She often stared blankly at the television. Her entire family sadly watched her appearance change as her hair fell out. But then doctors cleared her to leave the hospital after an intense round of chemotherapy.
Emily plays in the water at The Magic Kingdom.
And things began to change as she looked forward to a winter visit from Make-A-Wish® volunteers. When the wish granters arrived, her family was worried she would be too shy to tell them her one true wish. But they were in for a surprise: Emily greeted the wish granters at the door wearing a princess dress and a crown. And said she wanted to visit the iconic Cinderella Castle with her parents and grandparents.
“From the moment Emily met her wish granters, she was full of excitement,” recalls Linda Flynn, Emily’s grandmother.
The wish granters arranged for Emily to visit the park to celebrate her third birthday. She had her own suite at Give Kids the World Village, an amazing resort that caters to the families of children with life-threatening medical conditions. She had a special lunch with Cinderella and enjoyed an unforgettable dinner with Prince Charming. Emily played the part just right, kicking off her shoe so the prince could put it back on her foot.
Throughout their stay, Emily and her family also enjoyed visits to other area theme parks. She met every character she wanted to meet and never had to stand in line for a ride.
Emily had the time of her life, but each day meant just as much to Linda. For her, it was a respite from months of worry and uncertainty.
“Truly, the Make-A-Wish Foundation helped us all reclaim our lives before Emily was diagnosed, even if it was for a week – a week which we all needed desperately,” she said.
More than a year later, Emily is finished with her treatments and her prognosis is good. And the Make-A-Wish Foundation is still part of her life, inviting her to participate in events and to drop by any time she likes.
Thanks to Disney’s support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, wish families enjoy tickets to Walt Disney World, special visits from Disney characters and many other magical surprises.
By Justin Schmid
This page can be found at http://www.wish.org/stories/adventure/domestic_travel/emily_disney
© 2006- Make-A-Wish Foundation of America
