I wish to go to a tropical destination
Aria, 7
cancer
Aria loves when the weather is warm and she’s able to explore her neighbourhood and nearby playground on her bike. She enjoys kicking around the soccer ball, cheering on the Calgary Flames, browsing through a bookstore, and playing the piano. The seven-year-old likes listening to worship music and indulging in fruit or unicorn flavoured cake.
Aria was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare, cancerous tumor of the liver. She bravely underwent 14 surgeries, chemotherapy, and spent more than 100 days in hospital. She endured many pain-filled days and has since recovered from liver reconstruction and is in remission.
Last March, Aria, her parents Stephanie and Tyler, went on a tropical vacation. Stephanie said her wish trip was a celebration of Aria’s bravery and health and brought the family healing, hope, and joy. “What an incredible blessing to have this once-in-a-lifetime trip for her,” Stephanie said. “Aria loved the beautiful sunny days, the sound of the ocean and swimming in the pool for hours.”
The family’s room had a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean. Aria went horseback riding, took a sunset cruise, enjoyed the beach, and hiked all the way to the top of an extinct volcano. “Waiting for a wish pulls on your heart, but those moments when you step off the plane, engage in the special excursions and just see the joy in your child’s eyes makes every hospital night, every surgery, every tear-filled moment of the past somehow gentler,” Stephanie recalled.
Hope is essential for children with critical illnesses, and its life-changing power is unlocked when wishes like Aria’s are granted.
