Mila was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was 8 years old. She went through strong treatment for 2.5 years before ringing the bell. We knew about Make A Wish because we had supported and donated to it ourselves, before Mila's diagnosis. We were elated to find out Mila was eligible for her own wish.
Mila did horseback riding before her diagnosis. After her diagnosis, she was not able to do it any longer. Her wish was to go horseback riding in Hawaii. She loves animals so we thought the North Shore in Oahu would be a wonderful trip for her. We were also able to see sea turtles. Our wish experience was a dream. We didn't have a favorite part because the entire trip was perfect.
The trip was exactly what our family needed. Time together, which we didn't have while Mila was going through treatment. And our time together in Hawaii was stressless - something we hadn't experienced since before the diagnosis.
It supports families going through trauma, which no family should have to go through, especially the children. It not only supports the wish child, but the siblings as well. The siblings also endure unwanted stress during the diagnosis and treatment.
