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This wish story makes me feel: |
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Making her wish as a 17-year-old in 2007 turned out to be one of the most important, life-changing decisions Monica ever faced.
Diagnosed with polycystic astrocytoma, a brainstem tumor, Monica knew what it was like to feel scared and alone. But she also knew the immense joy that came from the love and support of her family, friends and community. She knew she wanted to use her wish to bring that joy to others.
“I wanted to make a wish that I would remember for the rest of my life, and I wanted it to be a wish that would impact others,” Monica said. “I decided I wanted to use my wish to help kids in an orphanage.”
Monica’s love of children helped her choose this heartfelt wish. She loved babysitting and had always wanted to help children less fortunate than herself. When a brain tumor forced Monica to give up her favorite activities and focus on getting well, she felt even more sympathy for children facing difficult life circumstances.
“[Being diagnosed with a brain tumor] was very scary,” Monica said. “I had to have neurosurgery and stop running track and dancing ballet while I recovered. I was always exhausted, and it was really hard to keep up with school. … I knew the kids in the orphanage had lots of life challenges too, but kids are supposed to be innocent and happy.”
“[When Monica was diagnosed] our whole family was paralyzed with fear,” Monica’s mom, Deborah, said. “Monica has a definite belief in God; so I knew she prayed a lot and so did the rest of us. … I was somewhat surprised about the wish, but I knew she had made friends with a girl in high school who had been adopted from a European country, and she had shared with Monica how difficult it had been in the orphanage and how they went without things they needed.”
A family friend helped Monica identify Hogar Ninito Jesus, an orphanage in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Then the Make-A-Wish Foundation sprang into action, making travel arrangements for Monica and her family, as well as giving her funds to purchase gifts for the orphanage.
“I was able to buy school uniforms for all the kids. They’re required to wear uniforms, but many of them can’t afford them,” Monica said. “I had some money left over to help make improvements to the orphanage and give the kids lunchboxes, backpacks and toys.”
Monica’s generosity didn’t end there. She arranged for her hotel in San Juan to host a pool party for the orphans so they could have a carefree day of fun.
“My most vivid memory was when the kids came to the hotel,” Monica recalled. “Some of the girls, who didn’t speak English, ran up to me, calling my name. They gave me big hugs and kisses on the cheek. “Many of the kids in the orphanage had been abused, and they’d only met me once, but they still trusted me to be their friend.”
Today, more than a year after her wish, Monica still keeps in touch with the orphanage. She and her mom are having a holiday letter translated into Spanish to send to the children. They sent her a card last year.
And – the best news of all – Monica’s brain tumor was benign. She has completed her treatments and is now a sophomore at the University of New Mexico. She hopes to be accepted into the competitive UNM nursing program in fall 2009 and go on to seek a master’s degree so she can join the Doctors Without Borders program.
“For a career, I knew I wanted to make a difference people’s lives,” Monica said. “I knew from my own experiences in the hospital that nurses can bring immediate relief and results to patients when they need it most. That’s what I want to do – to be there for patients medically and emotionally, like people were there for me.”
Monica also has a message to those who made her life-changing wish possible.
“Your enthusiasm meant so much to me, and I want to thank you so much for supporting me through my illness and my wish,” she said. “I want you to know that you touched many more lives than mine.”
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Such a selfless and wonderful wish. My father has participated in doctor's without borders for some time now. We and some other doctors have adopted an orphanage in Guatemala. He has maintained his license so he can continue to help, even though he officially retired from private practice 3 years ago. Your wish could not have gone to a more deserving type of children. May god continue to bless you and those around you.
- Brian 09/06/2009 17:45 -
What a wonderful, selfless wish, i hope you are keeping well, God bless you xo
- Rachael 08/03/2009 6:44 -
Really nice of her. :D
- Tolga Berkman 06/10/2009 13:28 -
I think that is one of the sweetest things I have ever heard! Someone who has problems of her own, reaching out to help others, that is just amazing. You go girl!
- MJ 03/13/2009 16:12 -
this is the best wish, ever. made me tear up, and i never cry!
- Angela 03/03/2009 17:32 -
that was SO amazing of you to think of others hope you had a awesome time.
- Vanessa 02/28/2009 8:26 -
This story has inspired me to go out to my local orphanage and help kids like me who deserve more than they get. What a wonderful person Monica is!
- Vivace 02/18/2009 6:27 -
That is so amazing for her to use her wish to help other children! It is so selfless and I admire her very much!
- Sarah 02/10/2009 17:48 -
what a great story and very inspiring!!!
- tim 01/25/2009 20:11 -
Monica is an inspiration to all of us...healthy or sick. She has a beautiful heart and soul and I am sure she will touch many more people throughout her life. She will succeed in life and really make a difference! God Bless You Monica!
- LORI 01/24/2009 6:32 -
That is an incredible wish. To place others at an equal or greater importance when fear is running so high, that is...well, really cool!
- Kamal 01/22/2009 1:28 -
Monica, your wish was truly special! i cant Imagine having such a life chaging illness! its really amazing that even in such hard times you still thought of others, that makes a great role model. im 14 years old and im in the keith valley challenge this year. im not sure you have heard about this fundraiser, but its an all night hockey game that the 8th grade in my school plays. its not really about the hockey though, its about raising money for Make-A-Wish. your story really touched me and i will share it with people who donate money to the challenge for Make-A-Wish! keep up your amazing spirit! you should feel amazing about helping others its really special! love and good wishes, Emily
- emily 01/11/2009 11:57 -
Monica,
I wish that you get well very, very soon. You are a bless.
- Roberta Sylos 12/25/2008 18:31 -
I think it is so beautiful that even with this young girl was hurting and facing a life-threatening problem that she was so selfless. She chose to help homeless children rather than something that could benefit only her. God bless her.
- Erin 12/23/2008 17:55 -
I love that even though this girl could have wished for anything, anything at all, she chose to make a wish that was not only for her but for others.
- Marie 05/01/2010 21:59 -
Monica Thats a great wish. I was 12 when I was DX w/ my astrocytoma on my left brain stem. I had surgery and 6 weeks of radiation! I love your wish and someday hope that I am able to help others like you did!
- Tricia 06/06/2010 20:03 -
great, the only selfless wish i've seen on here
- tod 09/27/2011 9:22
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