Eight-year-old Victoria loves to sing and strum the guitar. She even carries a notebook of her songs everywhere she goes. Listening to her favorite singer, Hannah Montana, she always wondered what it would be like to be a rock star. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Southern Florida, she found out.

It hasn’t been an easy road for Victoria. By the age of 9 months, she had already undergone a five-organ transplant and 17 major surgeries and procedures.

“Every day presents a new challenge,” says her mom, Ivette. “Victoria’s story is not a sad one, but one of hope. Although she had to overcome many hurdles, today my daughter is a smart, beautiful and loving 8-year-old.”

To mark the special occasion of its 7,000th wish, the Southern Florida chapter published a blog detailing Victoria’s wish experience, starting the morning when she and her family climbed into a stretch limo for the trip to a Miami recording studio.

Following a Wish in Real Time

Throughout the day Victoria also responded to fans’ e-mails via the blog. She was overwhelmed by the attention, which included answering questions like:

· Yessenia of Hialeah: When and why did you start singing?
Victoria: I think I have been singing since I was a baby. I sing because it makes me feel free and I can express myself.

· Samantha of Fort Myers: What do you think about all the media attention?
Victoria: It makes me feel like a star. It’s great that everyone could take the time out to be here.

· Randy of Boca Raton: What will your CD cover look like?
Victoria: It will have a glamorous picture of me and hopefully lots of pink. I think I’m going to call it “Victoria’s Dream.”

· Stuart of Wellington: Is there anything that you want to tell your fans?
Victoria: I’m so happy that my dream is coming true.

Pop singer Ana Cristina, 24, was Victoria’s vocal coach while she prepared for the recording session. The two became good friends. For weeks, Victoria worked hard practicing her songs and preparing for her big day – which included a glamorous photo shoot to capture the perfect images for her CD cover.

In Palm Beach, a Star is Born

The best fun was still to come: The following month, Victoria was again in the spotlight at the CD release party. Dozens of screaming fans lined the entrance of the Improv Comedy Club in Palm Beach to greet the world’s latest superstar. Flanked by bodyguards and escorted in a stretch limousine, Victoria made her way down the red carpet amid a swirl of fans and local media.

Wearing a lovely shimmery dress, Victoria serenaded fans, friends and family with her sweet voice. She sang four songs, including an encore which brought the audience to its feet.

The “Victoria’s Dream” CD is available for a suggested minimum donation of $20 by calling the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida at (954) 967-9474.

Links:

Victoria’s CD Release Party

http://sfla.wish.org/2009/08/03/victorias-dream/

Blog

http://sfla.wish.org/2009/06/05/16189/

Photos of Victoria’s wish:

http://victoriaswishcometrue.shutterfly.com/

“Dream”

Written and Sung By Victoria

I get to sing into my mic
You’re gonna like my song
The song is up and playing, playing
I hear it all night long

Gonna dance the night away
When it’s done you’re gonna say
So come and hear me play
And sing my song today

My favorite color’s pink
Don’t care what you think
Just let me sing
And let me bling

I’m living my dream
Make the most of everything
My wish is to sing
And live my dream