“ I wish to be a ballerina.”
Cassandra , age 3
North Texas Chapter

By Kathryn Roethel

Cassandra happily danced with ballerinas dressed like her ballerina Barbie dolls.

A crowd of eager fans lined the dance studio walls as elegant ballet dancers dressed in flowing blue tulle took the floor. But the crowd, many of whom clutched tissues and flowers, wasn’t watching the ballet troupe. Their attention was focused on the tiny ballerina wearing a pink tutu and delicate new ballet slippers. They were watching 3-year-old Cassandra, a leukemia patient. Her wish to be a ballerina was coming true.

Cassandra’s favorite toys, her ballerina Barbie® dolls, inspired her wish, and wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of North Texas arranged a glamorous day of dance for her.

On the morning of her wish, Cassandra and her family followed a red carpet out of their home to a waiting limousine. Their first stop was Merle Norman Cosmetics, where Cassandra squirmed excitedly on her mother’s lap as a make-up artist applied eye shadow, blush and lipstick. Next they were off to a jewelry store, where Cassandra selected glittering golden necklace and ballet slipper charm. A costume fitting completed Cassandra’s prima ballerina look, and the family set off to Longview Ballet Theatre for Cassandra’s debut.

A group of caring dancers from the Longview Ballet junior company took part in Cassandra’s wish, and their costumes mirrored those of Cassandra’s Barbie dolls.

Cassandra didn’t want to leave the dance studio or her new friends.

Cassandra’s eyes lit up when she entered the dance studio, and the little ballerina smiled and twirled around the room with the dancers. Her obvious delight brought joyful tears to many in the audience. She bowed to heartfelt applause and accepted a bouquet, but she did not want to leave the studio or her new friends.

Cassandra’s wish was unforgettable for not only for her and her family, but also for all the businesses and volunteers involved.

As the little dancer said her goodbyes, dance studio owner Pat George Mitchell told a reporter from the Longview News-Journal, “This has been the most meaningful experience of my career.”

All photos provided by: www.photographybybarnett.com, Longview, TX

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Inspired Thoughts

  • Yea for Cassandra! Ballet is great. Good luck with your ballerina dreams!
    - Maya 03/02/2008 18:54
  • I really struggled to hold down the lump in my throat as I read Cassandra's story; the pictures alone stole my heart. As a mother of a healthy 18 month old little girl, I can only imagine the anguish and helplessness that parents of ill children must experience, and I count my blessings daily. It's difficult to read these stories, but to families that don't encounter difficulties such as these this is a fantastic way to bring awareness! I've been inspired to do my part in making a difference in these fragile lives. Thank you for opening my eyes. God bless!
    - Nichole 03/08/2008 13:04
  • This story was so cute. I'm doing a re-search project for school and I chose the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I decided to read some recent wishes and saw Cassandra's story. It was very heart touching and I can't wait to do my project on this miracle organization.
    - Rikki 03/31/2008 12:55
  • I first learned of this story through an ad in a magazine. I saw it a few times, and it always brought me to tears...the photos are just beautiful and perfectly capture the joy of Cassandra as she experienced her wish. This was truly heartwarming and inspirational.
    - Jessica 03/25/2008 21:30
  • I have just fallen in love with Cassandra's adorable, inspiring story. I'm so glad she had her wish fulfilled, and I hope she recovers completely.
    - Catherine 04/02/2008 17:05
  • This story made tears roll down my face. Earlier today, my teacher told our class a story about her nephew and his experience with Make-A-Wish. He was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor when he was six years old, and the diagnosis was very sudden, and debilitated his walking, talking, hearing and vision. He had eight months to live. After his first round of chemo, he was well enough to walk, talk, run, and play normally, but not well enough to live. His wish was to go to Disney World, and he got it. They catered to his every whim, and the family didn't have to pay for a thing. He died a few months later, but the story of the little boy and how happy it made him inspired me so much that I went to the website to see what I can do to help. When I saw this story, and saw that the little girl in the story is the same age as my baby sister, I just lost it. I could not hold back the tears. My school recently started a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish, and we have already raised over $3,000. I hope that someday I can grant someone their wish too. Thank you so much for inspiring me.
    - Caroline 03/20/2008 22:36
  • This is so precious! What an amazing way to spend a day!
    - Jane 11/30/2007 12:55
  • Wow this is such a inspiring story!! I had tears in my eyes, and Cassandra's wish was a great one. Bless you.
    - Ariel 11/25/2007 14:31
  • I'm so glad you got your wish. You are the cutest ballerina I have ever seen :)
    - Ann 11/24/2007 10:40
  • I loved reading your story, you look so pretty in your outfit! I hope all of your dreams come true and you dance the night away. Keep up hope and never give up.
    - Danita 11/17/2007 21:23
  • Awww! She looked absolutely adorable!! What a great ballerina =]
    - Colleen 05/18/2008 17:23

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©2006 Make-A-Wish Foundation®