I wish to be a singer/songwriter
Ari, 14
leukemia
When Ari was just four years old, she began complaining about pain in her legs. Her mom, Shelley, initially assumed it was normal growing pains until other unusual signs started showing up. Ari would be exhausted coming home from kindergarten and a cyst appeared overnight, causing her mom to take her to the doctor. Several weeks and countless testing later, the family received the devastating news that Ari had leukemia. “Minutes felt like hours as I sat staring in complete disbelief and utter silence,” shared Shelley. “Our lives changed forever that day.” Through the three years of chemotherapy treatments and hospital admittances, Ari always kept a positive demeanor, smiling through the pain and tackling her challenges with determination and grace.
One thing that helped her push past the difficult moments in her journey is music. From a young age, Ari adored music, singing everywhere she went and having endless dance parties at home with her mom. “Music’s been a big part of my life, so I think it definitely helped me get through a lot,” shared Ari. Ari, now a healthy 14-year-old, wanted to take her love for music and make it a reality, wishing to be a singer/songwriter. This wish brought her to the recording studios of Sony Music Canada, where she was able to record her own original, written song, ‘Why Angel.’ Sony Music Canada gave Ari a warm welcome with a glamourous red-carpet reception, followed by hair, makeup, and wardrobe changes, a mock media interview, and of course, valuable recording time in their studios. “My friend was texting me asking what I was doing, so I was like, ‘I’m at Sony right now… I’m about to be interviewed,” shared Ari. “My picture and logo was on the TV at Sony!
Ari’s recording experience was a moment she will never forget. But the wish didn’t stop there… in late April, Ari’s song was officially released to a global audience. ‘Why Angel’ is now available to stream on all major platforms.
Spotify,Opens in new tab YouTubeOpens in new tab, and Apple MusicOpens in new tab
“Make-A-Wish Canada has helped shine a light on Ari, giving her the confidence to pursue her dreams. Her wish will have an everlasting impact on our lives as this is just the beginning for Ari and her musical career,” Shelley, Ari’s mom.
