I wish to step into the world of superheroes
Nori, 9
cancer
When Nori was just six years old, her family’s world shifted in an instant. What started as unexplained, extreme back pain soon led to a devastating diagnosis: stage 4 cancer.
“The diagnosis was crushing,” shared her dad, Jeffrey. “At the time, we were living such a wonderfully joyful life, and Nori was thriving in all facets of her life. Her growth and energy brought us so much happiness, and she was so strong that we could never have imagined her being sick with something as serious as cancer.”
In the first two years of her treatment alone, Nori spent more than 120 nights in the hospital. Her journey has included chemotherapy, radiation, major surgery, immunotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and even a clinical trial. Most recently, she underwent MIBG radiation therapy. Through it all, Nori and her family have remained resilient, holding onto hope and focusing on each day as it comes.
Despite the gruelling medical regimen, Nori’s imagination and creativity remain boundless. She is deeply passionate about worlds where anything is possible, like anime, manga, whimsical art, and fantasy stories. Attending conventions like Fan Expo Canada, Toronto Comicon, and Anime North have become cherished moments for Nori. Still, her heart was set on something bigger: a dream trip to San Diego Comic-Con, the ultimate adventure for any young fan of comics and fantasy.
Her wish came true in spectacular fashion.
From meeting some of her favourite celebrities to attending star-studded events alongside superheroes to exploring the dazzling exhibition floor and discovering incredible artists, Nori immersed herself in the wonder of it all. She shopped, laughed, and beamed with joy.
“Nori, by nature, is very happy and positive, but on her wish trip, she was just beaming in a way that we don’t get to see all the time.”
The wish wasn’t just a fun trip but a turning point. For Nori and her family, those joyful moments have become a vital source of strength, hope, and energy as they continue to face the uncertainty of her illness.
A wish is more than a gift. It’s an essential part of a child’s treatment journey. In the face of fear and exhaustion, a wish creates space for joy, imagination, and healing. That emotional impact can be life-changing for children like Nori, who live with the unimaginable.
As Nori continues her fight, her Comic-Con memories remain a powerful source of happiness, helping her hold on to her spark and reminding her family what hope looks like.
