Last Fall, 5-year-old Ella was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency resulting in terrible migraines. After weeks of testing, an MRI was scheduled and the diagnosis couldn’t have been worse: a brain tumor. Although there is currently no cure to shrink or stabilize the tumor other than removal or radiation, which would both cause some damage to her brain, she has been tolerating her treatments and on-going appointments like a smiley princess! Her diagnosis has not slowed Ella’s sense of adventure – she loves camping, riding horses and sushi, and she wants to be a ballerina one day! Ella’s top wish was to travel and experience a beach vacation – and the gulf beaches in Texas was the chosen location. Our friends at Delta helped kick off her vacation with special gifts, a meet & greet with their pilot and a special message over the loudspeaker during the flight! Huge thanks to our incredible donors, Duke & Dawn Cooper, this loving family had the perfect accommodations in South Padre Island – a condo that fit this family of five, looking out to the Gulf of Mexico! Mom shared, “With the unknowns of Ella’s tumor, we wanted to [have her wish experience] now while she has full vision, feels great, and isn’t on many meds. Things can change so quickly so this felt like the right time. It was the absolute best week! Ella got to go horseback riding on the beach, eat seafood, play in the ocean, ride a limo, and see the SpaceX Rocket Launch. It was all a dream come true for her!” To top off the week, we included a family portrait session on the beach so they can forever remember this incredible wish come true!
In addition to the Coopers, we also want to thank Urban Air Adventure Park in Coon Rapids for inviting Ella’s family for an Ultimate Jump Party where we revealed that her wish was coming true! Also, thanks to Rudy and his team at Island Adventure Park who provided an amazing complimentary horseback riding experience on the beach for Ella and her mom. And, of course, huge thanks to Nathan & Emily Uhl for adopting Ella’s wish!
