Anna was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour in January of 2008 at 10 years of age. Surgery followed within days to remove her kidney and a tumour weighing almost 2 ½ lbs. She then began her courses of chemo and radiation. From the time the social worker from the Cancer Center told her she qualified for a wish, Anna knew she wanted to visit her aunt and uncle in Mongolia.

Chemotherapy was a struggle for Anna, especially as the treatments progressed. On the nights beforehand she would hardly sleep, and would have long talks with her father. The thing they would talk about most to get her mind off her worries was her wish, and all the possibilities that it held.
Almost a year after her last treatment, Anna’s family boarded a plane bound for Mongolia for the trip of a lifetime. They went during Mongolia’s National Festival and were able to see the elaborate opening ceremonies and watch some of the sporting competitions. They also saw the amazing Mongolian Circus, spent time in the countryside, rode camels over sand dunes, sampled some foods, toured a Buddhist monastery and climbed part of a mountain.

Anna loved the trip, and the experience helped her and her brother realize that despite everything that Anna and her family have gone through, they are very fortunate to live in Canada and enjoy the benefits of a healthcare system and the generous support of people and organizations like the Children’s Wish Foundation.

Words cannot express how very grateful Anna’s entire family is for this special trip and all its accompanying memories.  The hope it gave Anna as she went through her cancer ordeal, and the memories the family now share of an amazing trip are truly priceless.