I wish to feel the ocean waves
Emma, 4
cancer
Emma is a spirited four-year-old who loves the colour green, sings every word to Let It Go, and lights up with joy at the sight of a Mr. Freeze on a hot summer day. But behind her bright smile is a powerful story of resilience and healing.
At just 14 months old, Emma was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. Her parents, Andrew and Shelly, discovered a hard lump in her abdomen, and further scans revealed that the cancer had already spread to her bone marrow, kidney, and adrenal gland.
Emma began six intense months of treatment, including eight rounds of chemotherapy and frequent scans. Through it all, she faced every blood draw and needle poke with quiet courage.
After completing chemotherapy, Emma began a specialized treatment to turn the remaining cancerous cells into benign ones. In May 2022, she completed treatment and was declared in full remission. Though she now undergoes regular checkups every six months, Emma’s spirit remains strong and her family celebrates each day as the gift that it is.
Amidst the difficult medical journey, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of a wish: Emma wanted to feel the ocean waves.
Shelly described the anticipation leading up to the trip as magical. It would be Emma’s first time flying and traveling outside Canada — a dream come true. The destination? The sun-soaked shores of the Dominican Republic.
During their wish trip, Emma and her family shared unforgettable moments like swimming in the pool, horseback riding along the beach, and starting every day with Emma’s new favourite treat: gluten-free crepes.
“The staff took such good care of us all and made it truly an unforgettable experience,” Shelly shared. “The trip truly made us reflect and appreciate all that Emma had gone through with being so sick. We are thankful every single day and each day is a gift.”
Although the ocean is far away, Emma still talks about her wish often. Whether she’s enjoying a splash pad near home or playing by the lake, the joy she experienced continues to ripple through her everyday life.
For families like Emma’s, wishes bring more than just fun. They help children like Emma feel more hopeful and give them the emotional boost they need to keep fighting through their medical challenges. Medical professionals have seen the power of wishes firsthand. In fact, 95% of healthcare providers report that a wish improves a child’s physical well-being, while 100% agree it significantly improves a child’s quality of life.
Emma’s wish was not only a turning point in her recovery but a reminder of the importance of hope and joy in healing. With the support of generous donors, Make-A-Wish Canada continues to provide children with the strength they need to face critical illness and the chance to experience the joy of their dreams.
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