In 2006, at just three and a half years old, Kyiah was diagnosed with a Wilm’s Tumour; a childhood cancer that affects the kidneys. Her journey to recovery included two surgeries to eventually remove her kidney, adrenal gland, and part of her liver. She then had to undergo eight months of chemotherapy and seven sessions of radiation. To the family’s relief, Kyiah went into remission in April 2007. That October her wish to meet Pluto in Disneyland became reality. “It started her road to recovery and put a HUGE smile on her face, one we missed so much” shares Kyiah’s mom, Tanya.

When Kyiah celebrated her ninth birthday this February, she didn’t ask for gifts from her friends, but for donations to the Children’s Wish Foundation. Together with 12 of her friends they raised $401 for the Foundation so that another child could receive a wish. In response to her daughter’s selfless birthday wish, Tanya said: “I am so proud of Kyiah, of how far she’s come with her illness but I am even more proud of the girl she’s become”.

In her letter to the Foundation Tanya explains the true impact Kyiah’s wish had on their family. “To this day she remembers her wish trip; it helped our family so much. Thank you for all you did for us! I am very proud to say you are an amazing organization that has helped us through our darkest days.”

Thanks to Kyiah and her friends, we can continue to create the magic of a wish for very special children and their families!

Check out the amazing card Kyiah sent us with her birthday celebration donation.