Florence’s Story: Imaginative Wish Invites a Community of WishMakers to Give Back

When Florence was just about 2 years old, her parents grew concerned when she suddenly stopped walking. After weeks of waiting for test results and a trip to the emergency room, they received a devastating diagnosis: Florence had a brain tumor.

In the months that followed, Florence underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and, ultimately, a stem cell transplant. Despite the frightening and difficult moments, Florence’s spirit remained unshaken. “It’s really taught us how to live life and how to not take days for granted, but really just cherish what we have in this present moment,” said Florence’s dad, Rich.

As Florence began to recover, she became eager to reconnect with other kids her age. She found the most joy in imaginative play, especially at a local children’s museum where she loved pretending to be on a farm. This inspired her wish – to have a play farmyard at her preschool.

Florence’s wish brought her community together in a remarkable way.

After weeks of hard work and collaboration, Florence’s farm was ready for its debut. Complete with a produce stand and other special touches – including a painting inspired by her favorite book she read every night in the hospital – the farm captured Florence’s vibrant spirit.

For Florence and her family, her wish represents a pivotal moment in her healing journey. “This wish is very special to me and to our whole family in a sense that it’s added another layer to [Florence’s] story,” Rich shared. “Make-A-Wish didn’t only create a farm for Flo or grant Flo a wish, but they’ve granted a community of kids that are going to be generational and passing through this farm. Every time I go back to that school, I hear something new about that farm and how it’s changed and inspired a kid that was playing in it.”

Become a WishMaker and help make more wishes like Florence’s come true. Because, as Florence says, “WishMakers make me happy!”