Zykia’s case of nerves was quite understandable the night she got her wish to meet her idol, Beyoncé. The 12-year-old was front and center among a group of lucky "backstagers" at the world-famous pop diva’s stadium concert appearance.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Central and Northern Florida had managed to grant Zykia’s fondest wish. It would be a night to remember, a night the entire family would be treated like VIPs. For the time being, they could put aside their worries about Zykia’s medical condition – Fallot’s Tetralogy, a congenital heart malformation – and its accompanying discomforts, endless hospital visits and tedious doctor examinations.

Zykia and her family rode to the concert star-style, in a stretch limo. Then everything started happening fast! They were ushered into a special area for a meet-and-greet. Accompanied by family, Zykia suddenly felt excruciatingly shy as the stunningly beautiful star swept in to greet her adoring fans. Beyoncé soon put everyone at ease, recalled Yari, Zykia’s wish granter. "Beyoncé was sweet and welcoming. Once Zykia felt a little more comfortable, she went and gave Beyoncé a big hug."

After talking with the "Dreamgirls" star for awhile, they took pictures and said their goodbyes so that Beyoncé could get ready for her performance. Leaving the room, tears of happiness streamed down Zykia’s face. The family found their seats and enjoyed a memorable evening of glittering entertainment – it was 11 p.m. by the time the concert ended, but Zykia and her family didn’t mind the late hour, according to Yari.

"The family was so thrilled with the opportunity … not only to meet Beyoncé, but just to enjoy a fun night out together! I felt blessed to have been a part of such a touching experience."

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles – listed by Forbes as No. 4 on the list of the 100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities – is well known for her commitment to many philanthropic causes, especially those helping children. In the years since she burst onto the music scene as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé has happily and generously given of her time to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation in its mission to bring joy into the lives of wish kids and their families.