“ I wish to go on a Macy's shopping spree.”
Alyson , age 6
Greater Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana Chapter

By Kathryn Roethel

Alyson found lots of holiday cheer on her Macy’s shopping spree in New York City.

This year, Thanksgiving held immense joy for 6-year-old Alyson and her family. This sweet little girl’s wish – to have a holiday shopping spree at Macy’s in New York City – came true. And Macy’s even treated Alyson to an extra surprise – VIP seats for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Alyson, who along with her twin sister, Andrea, has cystic fibrosis, wished to travel with her family to New York for Thanksgiving week.

For Alyson, a holiday shopping spree at Macy’s was a dream come true. She wanted to be sure wish-granting volunteers knew Macy’s was her favorite store, so she wrote it down for them and underlined it several times. Employees at Macy’s flagship Herald Square store got Alyson’s message; they were ready to welcome her with a personal shopper when she arrived for her shopping spree.

But Alyson loves more about Macy’s than just the shopping: Watching the Macy’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade on television is a Thanksgiving-morning tradition in her family – a tradition that she was able to live out in person this year when she and her family took their seats along the famous parade route.

Alyson and her family enjoyed VIP seats for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Macy’s also surprised Alyson with a rare behind-the-scenes look at the parade staging area. Alyson saw the final touches being added to the famous floats and watched her favorite balloon characters come to life as crews filled them with helium.

Alyson’s wish week was filled with the excitement of holiday shopping at Macy’s, the magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the thrill of seeing a spectacular city at its finest. And most of all, it gave Alyson and her family memories befitting the Thanksgiving holiday — memories of blessings and joy.

Learn more about Macy’s support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and how you can help.

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Inspired Thoughts

  • Wow! A whole week in New York, shopping till ya drop in Macy's. And you got to see the parade LIVE! I watch it on TV every year. I've always wanted to see it in real person! God bless you, Alyson
    - Anna 03/20/2008 3:35
  • It's so awesome that these little girls get to go on a shopping spree. My husband's sister also had CF and was granted a wish several years ago to go on a shopping spree in St. Louis, MO. She mainly bought nice Christmas gifts for her family. It was so much fun for her. It's so great to see wishes still being granted years later. It means so much to these children.
    - Sarah 11/16/2007 8:02
  • Thank you so much for making her dreams, and hence, our dreams come true! As a teacher and pastor's wife, we have lots of 'publicity' and eyes watching us. Macy's & Make-A-Wish, you'll never ever know how much you've made a difference. As I wipe my tears of joy and excitement, please know how eternally grateful we are!!
    - Melissa (Wish mom) 11/14/2007 10:17
  • I am a 12-year old girl, and I think that Alyson is such a wonderful girl with a vibrant personality to go along with it. It's so amazing how kids with serious illnesses can put other's needs right alongside theirs. It's so selfless how she wanted her whole family to come! Keep on being yourself, Alyson. My sister, who is 5, also has several lung complications, and though it's not easy, it's not who you are. :)
    - Kelly 04/22/2008 18:12
  • God bless, sweetie! Watching the Macy's parade is a tradition of my family as well! You must've had such a good time! May God bless you and your family throughout your life. You have my prayers. Love, Lauren
    - Lauren 04/29/2008 12:20

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