Make-A-Wish® Illinois Chapter

Manal

Disney Fan Meets Her Favorite Princesses

Manal, a charismatic ten-year-old from Elgin, dreamed of dining and dancing with her favorite Disney princesses. For as long as her mother can remember, she has loved princesses, dolls, and dress-up. She's definitely a girly-girl. When she's not pretending to be Belle or Cinderella, Manal enjoys playing with friends and watching "Dora the Explorer."

Manal has a ventricular septal defect, a condition from birth that has caused a hole in her heart, separating her right and left ventricle. She also has Down syndrome, a genetic disorder. Manal still remains upbeat and is constantly happy, thoroughly enjoying life. When she was referred to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Illinois by her nurse, it was obvious that her lifelong dream of meeting princesses was about to come true. Manal and her family were off to Disney World to have some fun in the sun, right alongside Belle, Cinderella and the rest of the bunch.

"Manal's wish arrived at gauging her enthusiasm when talking about Disney World and [potentially] visiting princesses," Manal's Wish Granter, Mike Dimitroff, said. "Once she understood that she was going to Disney World, she was very excited."

Manal and her family flew down to Florida to the Give Kids the World Village. When they weren't enjoying meals at the Gingerbread House or meeting characters in the Castle of Miracles, they were checking out the rides at the parks Disney World has to offer. Manal especially loved getting splashed on water rides.  Other trip highlights were seeing the Festival of the Lion King and spotting various animals sprawled across 500 acres at Animal Kingdom.

Manal received the royal treatment at the Bippity Boppity Boutique, owned by Cinderella's very own Fairy Godmother. Not only did she get to dress like a princess, she was pampered like one as well. Her hair was styled, her nails were painted-she certainly looked the part.

Manal and her family had a fantastic time on their trip. They were able to relax, forget about doctors' visits and appointments, and enjoy time together. Manal met her favorite princesses and captured the essence of being one. Fun was had by all in her family, and she certainly won't forget this fairy tale trip.

If you would like to help make more wishes like Manal's come true, please consider a gfit to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois.