I wish to experience a personalised shopping trip
Uju, wish granted 2024
brain tumour
Seventeen-year-old Uju is a vibrant and energetic young woman who loves the colour pink, shiny things, and anything Barbie. She enjoys listening to her favourite artists and expressing her unique sense of style.
However, at 12 years old, Uju’s life changed unexpectedly when she experienced a seizure at home. Until that moment, neither she nor her family were aware she had a brain tumour. What followed was a challenging journey filled with surgeries, medical appointments, and recovery. After her first operation, complications required a second surgery when doctors found fluid leaking from the surgical incision. She later underwent a third procedure to address an issue with her right eye. Along the way, Uju faced headaches, nausea, chronic pain, and the emotional toll that often accompanies a critical illness.
Despite these obstacles, Uju remained remarkably resilient and in the winter of 2024, she received encouraging news: her tumour was almost gone.
During her recovery, Uju’s neurosurgeon introduced her to Make-A-Wish® Canada. When it came time to choose her wish, the decision was easy: Uju wished to experience a personalised shopping trip. At 15, her wish gave her the opportunity to focus on herself and celebrate how far she had come. She spent the day picking out things she loved and enjoying a fun-filled experience with her family.
One of her favourite memories was having her makeup done at Sephora and receiving a bag full of makeup at the end of the day. More than a shopping experience, the wish was a celebration of Uju’s strength and perseverance. It brought joy to her entire family and offered a chance to look forward with confidence after years of uncertainty.
Today, Uju continues to be monitored by specialists, but her wish remains a meaningful milestone in her journey — a life-changing experience that helped her embrace a fresh start and celebrate a future filled with possibility.
