Belen, age 8

Belen’s wish was granted at an Olive Garden in the City of Downey. She was completely unaware that her most heartfelt wish would be granted on that day. Belen was under the impression that the wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles were meeting with her to get more information about her wish for a laptop computer. She was surrounded by her immediate family – Mom, Dad and her brother – as well as her godparents and the Make-A-Wish volunteers. At the end of the main course, the Olive Garden staff members brought in Belen’s wish items, all gift-wrapped for her, along with a chocolate cake to celebrate her wish!

After all of the gifts were brought to the family’s table, Belen’s father stood up and said a few words. He said he was grateful to have his daughter there and to be able to celebrate her life once again. She has been through so much with her illness, he said, and now she has won this battle! After an emotional moment, Belen and her father hugged each other tightly.

As Belen unwrapped her presents, she had a smile from cheek to cheek. She received a pink Sony VAIO with a matching pink mouse, speakers, a printer, CDs and DVDs, anti-virus software, Microsoft Office, a digital camera, a memory card and free Internet service for one whole year. Belen couldn’t wait to go home and get on the Internet!

Submitted by Volunteer, Brighitte