Sophia’s Wish Story

At six months old, Sophia was diagnosed with a brain tumour in her optic nerve. As a result of the tumour, Sophia is blind in her left eye and has limited vision in her right eye. After receiving her diagnosis, Sophia underwent two years of two different chemotherapy protocols, which unfortunately were unsuccessful. Following the failed treatments, Sophia had a brain biopsy and began oral chemotherapy.   

Today, eight-year-old Sophia’s medications are well-tolerated, and the brain tumour is stable. Sophia is a kind and cheerful child who adores playing with her sister, Lia. When she learned that she was eligible for a wish, Sophia dreamt of travelling to a magical place with her family. With much excitement, Sophia realized her most heartfelt wish was to go to Walt Disney World^® Resorts!  
 
In the Summer of 2022, Sophia’s wish came true – she and her family boarded a plane and flew to Orlando for a week to experience all the joy and thrills the character-filled theme park had to offer and forget about her daily discomforts. Sophia recalls a memory of her wish, “I felt like I was living in a cartoon!” she expressed with enthusiasm. When asked what memories Sophia’s mother, Samaneh, keeps of Sophia’s wish trip, she shared, “Everything about her wish to Walt Disney World was awesome and magical.” She continued, “[We] felt relief from all the pains we’ve been through.”  

For Sophia, a week with her family to make new treasured memories was life changing.