“ I wished to go to Paris ”
Pictured here in Barbizon, France, Shelby and her family enjoyed an inspiring trip to Paris in 2002.
Editor’s Note: Inspired by the artwork she saw in Paris, Shelby returned from her wish trip and honed her painting skills. She now sells her artwork and donates the proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Her story aired on the CBS Evening News in 2007.
Q: Why did you choose this wish?
A: I wanted to submerge myself in a city and culture that had existed for centuries.
Q: What was one of your favorite memories from the wish?
A: One day my family and I visited a small out of the way chapel – Sainte Chapelle. The bottom floor was old and faded. Then we walked up a staircase tucked away in a corner and entered an immense space of floor to ceiling stained glass windows. The morning sunlight was filtering in and I felt a sense of faith, peace and perspective.
Q: What’s your medical diagnosis now?
A: I am getting off medications that I’ve been on for 16 years.
Today, Shelby is a college student with a 4.0 GPA. She sells her paintings to raise funds for other kids’ wishes.
Q: What are some of the highlights of your life now?
A: I am a junior in college with an English major and history and finance minors. I have a 4.0 GPA. In 2007, I was honored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation for raising $35,000 to grant other kids’ wishes. This summer I will be an intern with the Make-A-Wish chapter that granted my wish.
Q: What did your wish mean to you?
A: My wish gave me hope in the future. It gave me something to look forward to, and a chance to focus on something other than my illness.
Q: What do you want to tell people about the Make-A-Wish Foundation?
A: It is an awesome organization that gives something invaluable to children – hope.
Some of the Make-A-Wish inspired art created by Shelby.
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Shelby the first picture you painted looks like my little girl wearing the princess dress her wish fairies just brought her on the initial visit. How could I purchase a print of this painting?
- Kalley 05/09/2008 15:13 -
Shelby, they say what goes around comes around, and you are a perfect example of this. Kudos for giving back what was once given to you. You're an inspiration.
- Rustie 09/21/2008 7:27 -
Shelby,
You are truly an inspiration. The world is blessed to have someone as courageous, caring, intelligent and inspiring as you. Thank you for the wonderful things you do and the difference you make by being the amazing person that you are. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and prayers,
Alyse
- Alyse 10/21/2008 17:15 -
Dear Shelby,
I came to the Make-A-Wish site today because my daughter Ella, 4 years old, just got out of the hospital. One of may times in her short life. It brought a tear to my eyes to read your story and to know that you are now helping other children to make a wish. As Ella says, good karma. I wish you much peace and happiness. Matt
- Matthew A. 10/29/2008 21:03 -
Shelby, You are such an inspiration to people of all ages.
I love your artwork, especially the picture of the little girl on the swing. Have you sold it yet and where can we see other examples of your work?
- Lynn 05/03/2009 16:27 -
These paintings are absolutely beautiful and touching, an outstanding inspiration and wonderful testament to the reassuring gift of hope. I wish you continuous happiness, love, peace and success.
- Lauren Feist 01/22/2009 20:51 -
I'm 9 years old and I was diagnosed with the same exact disease as you when I was 5 years old. We're hoping for remission and we also have used the Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you can please contact me because I want to talk to someone
with my disease. My email: katieandannac@yahoo.com
- Katie Conner 12/30/2008 18:54 -
Girl, you are an amazing example of a wonderful person and I am glad you are doing way better now.... Good luck, and I think it is amazing that you have donated to the place that has once helped you get through what you went through. You are an inspiration to a lot of people and I hope others can see what you have done and I know you will go very far in life..
- Montana 07/18/2010 19:37 -
What a great girl! So sweet to give back like that!
- Heather 03/10/2011 18:20 -
Shelby,you are an inspiration! You give hope to kids that don't have anything. You are so kind to give back to make a wish. Your paintings are beautiful!! keep on doing great!
- Madison 04/21/2011 9:32 -
I think that's very cool that you got to go to paris and i hope you had a great time
- Christine Hatfield 12/20/2011 6:00 -
Shelby, that's an awesome wish!! I have never been to Paris before. Your artwork is really good.
- Kaitlin 01/15/2012 17:32
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