A Kate Spade handbag is an item most fashionistas covet. But few of those who own one will ever get the chance to design their own for the world-famous label. Wish kid Yali, 16, is the exception. She traveled to New York to fulfill her wish to design a bag honoring cancer survivors like her.

On the day of her wish, Yali woke up filled with excitement. She and her family rode to the Kate Spade Studios in a stretch limousine. Yali’s excitement about her imminent meeting with the renowned designer grew as the elevator ascended to the seventh floor.

Kate’s personal assistant, Jenel, greeted Yali and her family. Yali took photos of the new Kate Spade spring and fall lines. Then, Kate Spade appeared with her Maltese, Henry, trotting by her side.

Kate accompanied them to her design room, where Yali presented Kate a scrapbook that she had created just for her. The album documented her life, focusing on her family and friends, her position as the founder and president of the fashion and design society at her school, and her work with the cancer patients at Children’s Memorial Hospital.

Then, Yali and Kate got to the business of creating a handbag to salute cancer survivors. Yali had already chosen a style and critical design element. Yali chose to use a bandana, which many patients use to disguise their hair loss during chemotherapy. Yali had her own samples of bandanas, and Kate and her designers also offered samples of their materials. Yali suggested piping to offset the design and the discussion went on until the pair decided on their favorite design. In addition, Yali requested that once the design is in place and the bag is on the market, a portion of the proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Foundation^® .

“‘Yali's Carry On’ purse and design make the statement that cancer survivors ‘carry on’ courageously and elegantly with life in the face of their ‘medical baggage,'" Yali said, explaining her mission."My wish is most valuable in its potential to raise awareness and benefit other cancer survivors.”

Soon it was time to say goodbye. Kate offered Yali gifts, including a handbag and Kate Spade red sneakers Yali had tried on at one of her favorite stores in Illinois. She was thrilled by the mementos of her experience with one of the world’s best-known designers.

"This was the most inspirational and gratifying experience of my life,” Yali said.