Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island Inc

A wish rekindles a seriously ill child's strength to cope with illness, hope for the future, and joy for life.  For a child like Celia, whom you will meet below, a wish is a spirit-lifting, life-affirming experience -- a chance to escape the difficult world of hospitals and medical treatments. 

From our West Springfield Office, we grant approximately 50 wishes per year to children in the Pioneer Valley at the average cost of $7,500 per wish. Our vision is to grant the wish of every medically eligible child.

We invite you to enjoy Celia’s wish story below and to visit massri.wish.org, where you can learn more about Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island, read stories about our wish children, and discover the many ways  you can help make wishes come true. 

 Celia Saddles Up For Joy

 

Celia, 9

Wilbraham, MA

Neurofibromatosis type 2
“I wish to go horseback riding on a dude ranch!”

 

Not long ago, Celia was not well enough to ride horses, due to neurofibromatosis type 2, which causes tumors to grow in her nervous system. Since infancy, Celia has endured 19 surgeries and has surpassed her doctor’s expectations with her recovery. “This little girl, she has so much spunk and courage,” says her mom, Anita. “She is a little miracle.”

 

Celia wished to have a western horseback riding adventure and she and her family traveled to the Home Ranch in Colorado for her wish. After exploring mountain trails on horseback, Celia bravely traversed the ranch’s equine obstacle course. Later, she showed off her skills in the dude ranch rodeo, where she won the “Future Wrangler” award. “Our trip was so serene,” says Celia’s mom, Anita.  “Celia smiled from ear to ear for seven days.  She was just so happy.” 

 

“Celia’s wish was a renewal for all of us,” says Anita.  “It was like the stars were aligned and we were meant to be at this place. We’ll hold onto it for a long time.”

Please help make wishes come true for our deserving wish children, like Celia.