When little Hannah made her wish, the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Michigan knew it was party time. The 4-year-old wish kid who was diagnosed with a congenital heart abnormality, asked Make-A-Wish volunteers to help her celebrate her birthday in grand style: a party with her friends and relatives in California.

Hannah’s family and friends – both near and far – had all been very supportive during her medical treatments. With Hannah’s wish, this family who stuck together during tough times would soon have the chance to come together to celebrate the happiest of days.

The birthday of Hannah’s dreams began with a trip to the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills where wish granters had been busy planning the perfect party. Hannah was all smiles when she entered the hotel ballroom through a 10-foot balloon archway. She was greeted by carousel horse balloons that were bigger than she was, tables decked with pink and purple flowers, a salsa band and – best of all – the beaming faces of 40 friends and relatives.

"I was at a loss for words and I'm not lost for words very often!” said Hannah’s dad, Keith. "It was beyond my expectations."

Hannah’s birthday party was full of her favorite things. She and her family danced the day away while pink and purple balloons bobbed around them. The balloons and table centerpieces were carefully designed in Hannah’s favorite colors. Hannah was the life of the party as she clapped and twirled next to the band, which played her favorite salsa music. And when her feet were tired of dancing, Hannah and her guests sat down to a lunch of gourmet Middle Eastern cuisine – her favorite food.

Hannah, her friends and family posed for many photos to commemorate this special day, and even when the party ended, the wish was far from over. As the moon rose over the California coast, Hannah’s family tucked the newly-crowned 4-year-old under the covers in a room donated by the Peninsula Hotel. Additionally, the hotel provided the Make-A-Wish Foundation access to its florist, who adorned the room with all the decorations Hannah could ask for, and its caterer, who cooked up Hannah’s favorite foods.

Hannah’s magical birthday extended into several more days of celebration as she and her family enjoyed a few days of sun, sand and smiles on Southern California’s beaches. And everyone who took part in Hannah’s big day agreed that this little girl and her birthday wish were definitely reasons to celebrate.